I think ORMs are there to make developing easier - but doesn't obviate the need for the user to understand how the underlying database works. For one based on my understanding of their use-case, could've used a validation :on => :create only. Likewise, if case-insensitivity is needed, they can enforce that on record insertion or, if they're using something else like MySQL, just use case insensitive collation. The fact that I know how to write SQL doesn't mean it's always easier/faster/better than using an ORM...