Why are authors encouraged to provide declarative alternatives to scripting?

Providing declarative alternatives to scripting is encouraged primarily because they are generally more maintainable. Declarative approaches often involve defining what the output should be rather than detailing the steps required to achieve that output. This can lead to clearer, more concise code that is easier to understand and update over time.

In a maintainable system, future developers or even the original authors can swiftly modify aspects without needing to untangle complex scripts. The declarative format tends to adhere to established standards, promoting consistency which is beneficial in long-term projects and reduces the likelihood of errors arising from intricate scripting logics.

While other factors, such as ease of implementation, interactivity, and page size, can be relevant in certain contexts, the core strength of declarative programming lies in its ability to simplify maintenance, making updates and modifications more straightforward without extensive background knowledge of the scripting details.