I don't think the young guy is looking for the simpler route and cudos to him for that!
Micro controllers are between $3 and $10 the drivers and other stuff might be another $20 but the experience, knowledge, and pride, priceless! This almost a breath of fresh air that we have some younger guys thinking this way!
Buying the ready made version is kind of buying a ready made noise maker to clothes pin onto your bike when you where a kid.