I don't want to be "that guy" but it sounds like you're not writing Swift, you're writing Javascript in swift syntax. Optional as part of the type system instea

I don't want to be "that guy" but it sounds like you're not writing Swift, you're writing Javascript in swift syntax. Optional as part of the type system instead of falling back on nulls and exceptions is IMO a very good thing. Try to embrace it with an open mind for a few years (yes, years) before declaring it a useless pain in your behind.