Actually, I find XML to be pretty simple to parse. If you know XML well and you have a decent grasp on parsing in general, writing a non-validating XML parser is a simple task. Not surprisingly, either, as that was one of the stated goals of the working group, after SGML failed to be accepted due for the most part to excessive complexity.

But, yeah, having to hand roll all the tools for every aspect of the task at hand is boring drone work.