I agree mostly. I do like C#/LINQ based ORMs because as the name implies - it is integrated into the language and the “ORM” is treated like a first class citizen and it separates the query from the provider that translates it the destination. But even with LINQ, when you get into complicated queries or you have to do a left join, the syntax leaves a lot to be desired.

Also, it can get obtuse when you try to take advantage of any of its complex features.

I will never choose a real ORM for a green field project. The most I will usually want is something simple that takes in a SQL query and projects the result onto an object without all of the overhead - a Micro ORM like Stack Overflow’s Dapper.

And I agree, by the time you create DTOs and add attributes and the entire ceremony around ORMs. It really doesn’t reduce the boilerplate.