We don't need smaller frameworks, we need more modular frameworks. If the framework is modular you can take what you need, and replace the parts you don't like.
I'm using mercury [0] in my current frontend project for this purpose. Most of the features of React, none of the commitment. Every single component is interchangeable; the core repository is simply an index.js requiring other modules, which can be depended on individually if you're not looking for a kitchen sink solution.
Great in theory, horrible in practice.
How much time did you spend setting up the plumbing for the project? That's key.
@Cartwright2: Meteor is heading in that direction with version 1.3. Cohesive toolchain that integrates the best from the Javascript world, that is modular if you want, but ultimately a fantastic developer UX designed for happiness and productivity.
Everything will just work with defaults. Not like this travesty: https://github.com/kriasoft/react-starter-kit