The browser is a highly optimized runtime with a comprehensive rendering pipeline—covering HTML parsing to DOM creation, CSSOM and layout, painting, compositing, and a JavaScript engine featuring an event loop, an asynchronous model, and a security sandbox. It also standardizes networking, caching, and cross-platform distribution.
Building that entire stack from scratch is interesting from a systems perspective, but it is rarely practical.
The real challenge arises when developers remain at the framework level and do not internalize these fundamental primitives. Tools can boost productivity, but your limit is determined by how well you understand the underlying model.