Another advantage of fewer non-core dependencies is the rate of change. Core modules can change, but they tend to get a lot more testing and review. They also tend to be mature and stable, and will not significantly change often. If I use a lot of non-core modules things can change a lot faster than my application. Thus I either have to deny upgrades by pinning versions, or manually update often. Neither option seems good to me.
Chronicler: The Domici War (domiciwar.net)
General Ne'er-do-well (github.com/LeamHall)