I started along the same path as you. What i have been experiencing is Analysis Paralysis. Like the OP says, the trick is to commit to something that helps you from point A to Point B the fastest. And that for the time being atleast is RoR as is very opinionated and there are lots of humungous opensource, well maintained libraries floating around. And last but not the least, The Rails Tutorial actually bets you going to building something useful in no time. Good luck.!