Hugo is too complicated for me. It feels like a framework for setting up documentation websites, not blogs. I tried to make it work, but was put off by all the work I had to do.

What I want is basically need is `$script article.md > article.html` and then `git push` or even manually upload it on a form somewhere.

Give hugo a chance.

You can even setup hugo + github pages with a simple script. You fire the script, it compiles and push everything in the right places.

If you don't feel confident about theming, pick one from the website and you're good to go.

Github pages renders md files natively

Yes, but I find it to be too slow at times and IIRC, you cannot customize your domain, or can you ? (I can set a CNAME record , I guess)