[DrMagnus]

I can see where you're coming from, but for the area that I work in (finance) I can't help but feel the features of the JVM are a net gain rather than a loss.

I'll absolutely agree that it's not good for applications that don't need it's complex machinery. Half my side projects are written in java, and probably could be easier in python.

I'm not sure your metaphor really works here, as you're implying that Java is inherently less efficient/worse than Javascript or Clojure.

[iLemming]

I do work for a Fintech startup as well. We use Clojure and Clojurescript - it simply makes sense for us. It is extremely pragmatic choice that allows us to move fast safely. Seeing and experiencing all three sides - in all honestly I have to admit: yes, Java and Javascript are inherently less efficient languages for writing software than Clojure/Clojurescript. Java and Javascript are good, sorta "low-level" languages if you required to stay close to the platform they are made for, but in most cases (I'm just gonna throw some arbitrary number like 90%) it is not what's needed. They kind of have become "assembly" of JVM and Web.

[DrMagnus]

I don't work for a Fintech startup, I work in finance.

There's a huge difference between startup culture and corporate culture.