I am not sure using PlatformIO is making the project simpler... I am sure it is a good system, but not very easy to learn. For me - one of the best things with EspEasy is the way it programs the ESP chip - just a simple loader and a binary file. I have had a look at Espurna and Tasmota lately. Both ...

I have a similar project, and i will use this;
http://www.ebay.com/itm/252642089895