I need to write a script that searches through forums and chimes in "You could learn a lot more by making this out of brushwork, and the lack of custom props would reduce file size" on these posts
Ew no, no no no. No. No. Ew.
1) Fiddly brushwork in place of things that should be props always looks absolutely hideous.
2) You don't learn anything from it, except how to make fiddly brushwork in place of things that should be props, and see 1).
3) The filesize addition from a single custom prop is negligible. You might even have a higher filesize from the lightmaps needed for your hideous fiddly brushwork.
4) It'll take longer and be worse.
5) No. Ew. No no no.
Doing things the most difficult way does not automatically teach you more or get the best result.