Using both a-lists and p-lists as mere structural conventions- and thus needing to convert back and forth or write multiple versions of routines to handle each-

Using both a-lists and p-lists as mere structural conventions- and thus needing to convert back and forth or write multiple versions of routines to handle each- is a good example of how sexprs provide a superficial veneer of simplicity while inviting cancerous complexity in practice. The Clojure approach of recognizing associative structures as a fundamental building-block and giving them specialized syntax: {:the 50 :be 25} Is a clear-cut improvement.