[jeroenhd]

I'd argue that JSON is still easier as it allows you to reason about the structure and build up a (partial) schema at least. You have the keys of the objects you're trying to parse. Something like {"username":"abc","password":"def",userId:1,admin:false} would end up something like Utf8String(3){"abc"}+Utf8String(3){"def"}+Integer(1){1}+Integer(1){0} if encoded in DER style.

This has the fun side effect that DER essentially allows you to process data ("give me the 4th integer and the 2nd string of every third optional item within the fifth list") without knowing what you're interpreting.