As you point out, when comparing costs it's important to look at both the raw costs of infrastructure (as you do here with AWS), the cost of your own time, and the added features you don't get with AWS. Yes, Platform.sh cost $50 for this project … but also came with built-in CI/CD, instant cloning to three dev environments, automated TLS, backups, etc., all without messing with IAM rules. (I work for Platform.sh)
As you point out, when comparing costs it's important to look at both the raw costs of infrastructure (as you do here with AWS), the cost of your own time, and the added features you don't get with AWS. Yes, Platform.sh cost $50 for this project … but also came with built-in CI/CD, instant cloning to three dev environments, automated TLS, backups, etc., all without messing with IAM rules. (I work for Platform.sh)
Agreed, I think it's always important to factor in those types of costs as well!