Actually, Java has made programming easier compared to C++ with 'elegant Syntax' (similar to C++) and 'sensible semantics' (similar to Smalltalk) - especially 'without pointers'!

And probably, Kotlin has made it even simpler than Java.

So, it's an evolving process.

On the other hand, JavaScript - though still painful - has no alternatives... hence, JavaScript is still OK - without any close competitor!