This applies even with Rails routes. Our routing scheme does not match that of Rails (we want seo friendly routes, that does not always fit the /collection-name/:collection_id paradigm).

I think simple routing systems, like Sinatra, are the way to go here.

From a simple library that does not get in the way, it's not too difficult to come up with a convention that matches your needs. The overall application then becomes simpler because I don't have to fight a heavy-weight routing system that misses the point.