> I understand that it is not the same semantically, but I am using div tags and p tags a LOT. I avoid the new HTML tags for more semantic meaning as this adds cognitive load to my brain.

Serious question: are you saying that an entire webpage using only div and p tags is easier for you to grok than if the same webpage used standard tags like article and blockquote?

You're leaving so much functionality on the table. It also sounds like you're not using ARIA either, so your site is inaccessible to users of assistive technology.

You could use roles on your div tags to give a screen reader a fighting chance:

    <div class="header" role="banner">…</div>
    <div id="main" role="main">…</div>
    <div id="nav" role="navigation">…</div>
    <div id="footer" role="contentinfo">…</div>