I agree, just a point in defence of (for example) HTML5 boilerplate: As someone not doing regular development, having a set of possible solutions and best practices was very handy.

Last time I started a new set of templates, I started with HTML5 Boilerplate, saved a new HTML file, cut everything out, and then put back the things I needed as I went along.

It was a useful learning experience, rather than my starting point.