I don't know how familiar you are with modern static site generators but they don't impede an individual from successfully accomplishing those things you've mentioned (semantic markup, responsive best practices, etc). Generally using a SSG allows you to leverage more powerful tools, while maintaining the freedom afforded by "hand-coding". I put hand-coded in paren because theres plenty of hand coding involved with using static site generators, its not a this or that. Both happen in tandem.

Now, if the OP was asking about what website builder i.e. square space, wordpress et al he should use, then I would definitely agree with you.

to OP, I have used many generators for both personal and client use, right now my favorite is http://spike.cf

I have always been a fan of http://roots.cx/ Its always been very quick and flexible to get static sites up and running and it uses my preferred "stack": Stylus, Jade/Pug.

The developers behind it have recently announced that they will stop updating it, and have introduced its "spiritual successor" https://www.spike.cf/ which looks very interesting. They moved on to an updated software stack and its become more opinionated. I've toyed around with it and if you are familiar with roots you will feel comfortable using Spike, but there is still a few things to re-learn. I am interested in checking it out for future projects.

I think he means having to deal with difficult clients would deter him from going back to work at an agency

Trello is tried and true.

Currently using Panda Syntax, Space Mono font on Atom

http://panda.siamak.work/https://fonts.google.com/specimen/Space+Mono

Craft, Nudg.it, Sketch Runner, Zeplin

I used to constantly install new plugins, most didn't stick. Now its all about speeding up my workflow. I think the first 3 on my list are near essential "power user" plugins.

This changes everything…

Great book, I've read it several times since getting it my sophomore year in college.

"distasteful and catty joke about one's appearance"

I guess thats one way to say "racist remark"

Saying she suffers from a complex is just trying to marginalize the problem. Everyone loves to play the armchair psychiatrist online. Your argument is just as absurd an invalid as the people who mutter "She shouldnt have been dressed in x manner" to a rape victim.

Does the thought of racism and sexism creeping into the "shining beacon" of liberalness that is the tech industry distress you so much that you can't see this?