A website is not fast because its homepage looks minimal. It is fast because the architecture, assets, third-party scripts and hosting are treated as one system.
Performance is a product decision
Code-first architecture reduces unnecessary runtime work and gives the development team precise control over what reaches the browser. This matters for usability, conversion and organic visibility.
When WordPress is still appropriate
WordPress remains useful when editorial workflows, existing integrations or internal skills justify it. The correct question is not which technology is fashionable, but which architecture supports the business with the lowest long-term friction.