Drupal and WordPress were the first PHP platforms I could think of to demonstrate why a developer who chose such a platform would be tied to the language it was developed in.

Symphony has always seemed too abstract to click with me, but that could have been my inexperience at that time.

You have a good point — you can write bad code in any language/platform. Being aware of this and exercising the discipline needed to write good code is a sign of a developer with a little experience. I find that some languages quietly re-enforce that discipline a little better than others. PHP is not one of those in my experience.

I fully agree with the “right tool for the job” sentiment. AND basing your choice on facts, not emotion. However, each developer needs to decide what works best for their own situation. Perhaps with some discussion with a mentor if possible.