The Javascript ecosystem has to deal with unrelenting, multi-decade backwards compatibility requirements; supporting numerous, inconsistent implementations; and

The Javascript ecosystem has to deal with unrelenting, multi-decade backwards compatibility requirements; supporting numerous, inconsistent implementations; and an incredibly wide set of stakeholders and participants with diverse motivations when advancing the spec. Do any other software platforms out there face the same magnitude of complications? To speak to one of your primary examples: Babel is freaking huge and somewhat absurd, but is there any other way to advance the Javascript language? Fortunately, this is only a development dependency, and the client doesn't have to see it. On a happier note, these are good problems to have. This is another indicator of how successful the web platform has become. You can build some absolutely incredible projects these days, and they are instantly available to billions of people who are operating thousands of different hardware devices (with different specs and dimensions) running dozens of operating systems. No gatekeeper, bureaucrat, or corporate curator must approve your work. Just simply deploy it, and anyone with the URL can access it. It is a mind-blowing human accomplishment. I look forward to seeing how the web continues to progress over the coming decades.