There are multiple ways to "depend", so if pandoc executes some external tool all of the work then might as well use that external tool directly. You will get more control over how the conversion happens, know for what search for when in trouble etc.

My understanding and experience is that Latex has a significant learning curve and Pandoc provides a more gentle front end.

Of course Latex gives you fine control to hand tune the engine…but that doesn’t seem like what the OP is looking for.