This is such a fun thread… so let me jump in. I started ST in early 2015 back in the v1 Hub days and now I am up to >100 things plus 5 cameras. I use SmartRules which proved to be the best $6 bucks I ever spent. I added to this Stringify which is wickedly cool once you figure out the funky user interface. I also use of course Alexa and 2 Dots. And finally I have ActionTiles installed on two Android tablets that are mounted with wireless charging in the wall for optimal WAF. I diddle with it just about an hour a week but it is mostly pretty stable. I use lots of virtual switches to stage time based actions such as driving home and then sending text messages and opening my garage door. I have read a lot about CoRE but haven’t tried it yet so I think I might be missing out on something important there. The only functionality that I feel I am missing is an automated hot tub heater which I can’t figure out how to do. The most complicated thing I have done is hack my built-in alarm system to read voltages that send a signal to an Arduino ThingShield to simulate contact sensors for open/closed doors using the built in sensors in my home. I probably should put a link to that project here but I am feeling lazy right now.
EDIT: Okay … here’s the link: