I agree, that so simple spines might be better to DIY when you need a few. Though if you have a large number of spines, as mentioned, it could take time and extend the project duration. By going DIY, you will be able to save budget, but you’ll spend much time. Also, whether you choose freelancers or studios may impact the timeline—freelancers might take longer, while studios could work faster. Although, studio’s video production pricing should cover the time & quality you gain. The cost of hiring an animator depends on the complexity, the animator's experience, and your project's scope. On Upwork for example, you can find a prices with big difference as of 80$ to 200 $ or more per spine. Here there was also discussion a few years ago: https://en.esotericsoftware.com/forum/d/2152-budget-for-animation/5 The dilemma is classical: time/money/quality.
So, I’d consider the budget and the balance between cost and quality. Freelancers might be cheaper per hour but could take longer, while studios might be pricier but potentially more efficient. In case of DIY – all is in your hands, incl. you time cost.
