As far as languages go, Python seems a far better choice than php or perl based solutions. I haven't tried Ruby - so I can't comment.
The Zope framework for python has been remarkably productive for me both with and wtihout plone(CMF modules and a look and feel on top of Zope). The documentation is improving, but I can's say the situation is good. In truth, Zope knowledge is zope specific (at least I haven't found it useful) and it was a bit of a transition coming from a j2ee background. I didn't find the learning curve to be very steep, but the path is covered in brambles - haha. Mostly due to the fast pace of development. btw, I am not a zope person or a plone, person - I have however used both solutions to develop some pretty nifty sites faster than anything else I have used. Even through the "gettting to know you phase" So I'm a pretty big fan. That being said, Zope is it's own universe of ideas, and a lot of them seem "odd". As far as hosting, I also know where Zope/Plone hosting from 7.95 a month - although the host doesn't list it on their ads, they do use and host it. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
