[guelo]

I agree. Keeping up with the giant, buggy, constantly changing, platform API, as well as the whole ecosystem, from build tools to the app distribution and analytics, is by far the hardest part.

These abstractions on top of the platform might make it easier for quick prototypes if you don't have time to learn the language. But you'll lose some flexibility, power, visibility and community. After a while the initial speed benefits wear off since the language is a small part of the things you have to stay on top of, especially if the app takes off.