1. PHP & RoR both offer "quick" development time (timed to what, though?)
2. Define hassle-free development? As for deployment, surely that's in your hands as to where you want to deploy? PHP has wider deployment (usually available with Apache-based server hosting)
3. The UI has little to do with the underlying, server-side technology (if I understand your question; besides, "cool-looking" is very subjective)
Comments
May I ask you to expand on your questions?
1. PHP & RoR both offer "quick" development time (timed to what, though?)
2. Define hassle-free development? As for deployment, surely that's in your hands as to where you want to deploy? PHP has wider deployment (usually available with Apache-based server hosting)
3. The UI has little to do with the underlying, server-side technology (if I understand your question; besides, "cool-looking" is very subjective)
4. Lower learning curve than what?