I ended up with Hugo, a git repository, and a cron job for the build. I write an article, check it in, the server picks up the git change and rebuilds the site. What I like about the setup is that the server only has the binaries hugo and git, and a shell script for the rebuild. Also, I write in Markdown, add media to the git repository, and articles are published soon after I check in without any remoting on my part.
I did look at WriteFreely after the setup, though. I find the minimalist design very beautiful. Didn’t switch to it, but may look at it again for another project. https://github.com/writefreely/writefreely
Go, BentoPDF! A shame this stuff cost you time and energy better spent elsewhere, but it’s just a small hiccup for a project with legs!