The problem with XML is mainly in the 'M': it's a _markup_ language. Using it for configuration and arbitrary data serialisation isn't where its strengths lie,

The problem with XML is mainly in the 'M': it's a _markup_ language. Using it for configuration and arbitrary data serialisation isn't where its strengths lie, but it got shoved into those niches because if you look at it _just right_, you can make it work in them. I don't hate XML myself, but I do hate how it's been abused over the years.