PHP is just a more inclusive community. The PHP community is more concerned with the casual user and the end user. This is PHP's core strength, and one of Python's core weaknesses. The Python community would be wise to adopt PHP's concern for the end user.
That being said, I don't think you will find PHP easier than Python. I think the reverse is true, except in the simplest cases. Also, Python is economical and easy to use if you go with a Python centric web host, such as Web Faction. -- http://mail.python.org/mailman/listinfo/python-list
