I can only speak for myself, but I considered a few options, including "simple k8s" like [Skate](https://skateco.github.io/), and ultimately decided to build on uncloud.

It was as much personal "taste" than anything, and I would describe the choice as similar to preferring JSON over XML.

For whatever reason, kubernetes just irritates me. I find it unpleasant to use. And I don't think I'm unique in that regard.