You seem to think that templates are just about replacing variables
No - I know there is much more too it than that...I just don't understand exactly what and how yet. My foray into 'templates' (of a kind) was just about variable replacement and I didn't get any further.
But a framework has a lot of benefits in a team
I can totally see that and my limited experience of working in development teams many years ago means that makes a great deal of sense.
My 'team' (as far as coding goes) is just me which is an advantage in that I don't have anyone else to worry about regarding maintenance, consistency and best practice...it is also a huge disadvantage as I have nobody else to ensure I think about maintenance, consistency and best practice!
Frameworks are high on my list of things to look into over the festive break...
...one of many things thanks to the Wisdom of the Monastry!