Why is listview such a mess?

Why is listview such a mess?

Hello,
again: why this listview implementation?
I mean,

this

<li data-theme="f" id="'+someid+'"><a>'+something+'</a></li>';

becomes this !!!

<li data-theme="f" id="2" data-corners="false" data-shadow="false"
data-iconshadow="true" data-wrapperels="div" data-icon="arrow-r"
data-iconpos="right" class="ui-btn ui-btn-up-f ui-btn-icon-right ui-li-has-arrow ui-li">
<div class="ui-btn-inner ui-li">
<div class="ui-btn-text">
<a class="ui-link-inherit">
the place something
</a>
</div>
<span class="ui-icon ui-icon-arrow-r ui-icon-shadow">&nbsp;</span>
</div>
</li>

How is it supposed to PERFORM on a old device??
I mean if I have only 4 elements in the list, I would be in huge trouble.
If someone has some suggested listview alternative I would be grateful,
I don't have the time nor the required skills to write my own implementation
, any suggestions? (and don't tell me not to use them, they are all over
the place in every application and especially in ours they fit the criteria).

thx