Why I avoid AE.

mods count doesn't matter (ca 1300), but esm and esp slots.

40 esm, much more used as master. 820 esp slots filled. Estimated 50 DLL. Only dll like engine fixes ca 25.

No chance to have this setup replicated with AE, if you take into account all mods are patched, even more.

Even if everything would be available in AE, tweak and debug, patch this setup will need weeks and energy, what I am not willing to invest.

Just a new char takes days to have the MCM setup. Made a guide with pdf, it's 200+ pages long. So I keep a save as reference, if I need to do quick check of settings.

Saves are clean, all quest incl. side quest work and CTD only, when I make a new mod for myself and messed up something.

So AE is like a new game for me.