Don't Repeat Yourself in CI doesn't exist

[eluser]Colin Williams[/eluser]
Everything you seem to see as hindrances, I (and others, I'm sure) see as flexibility.

If you just don't get MVC yet, don't give up. It's a pretty basic design pattern. I can't figure out why so many people fuss over it.

When you really understand CI from a high-level, I'm sure your frustrations will disappear, and you'll see how to use CI in a DRY way.

Also, have you looked at any user contributed code? Like, look at the blogging software people have released, and don't miss Derek's Bamboo Invoice. These give you an opportunity to pop the hood and take a look at how CI can be used effectively.