I find that working in an MVC framework that I'll spend lots of time fighting the framework for one item, and curse it.
Then I'll do a dozen things and realize, "You know, that was easy."
The framework certainly channels you into working its way. When you can do that, it pays off big. When you can't, it is a real pain. It pays off more often than not, so is a net win.
Cheers,
Ben