I agree with your distinction between browser application and the web. Its very frustrating to be bombarded with tons of javascript that introduce nothing of value; usually advertisements and petty fanciness.

But that being said, ive been developing a heavy javascript SPA ( Single Page Application ) and have been writing javascript that is going to be very useful to (certain types of) users.

Im more than happy to download a large bundle of javascript (and css) if im getting an application (and preferably not on my phone)

And in defense of SPA's which dont even have web in them, good ones are a portal to a location on the web (a model type and id) loaded usually via json with html re-rendered on the client. And even better ones have history implemented. So they can feel very like the web...given js is enabled(!)

But of course I understand the "why reimplement what browsers already offer?" SPA's feel almost indistinguishable from a desktop app if done right...

What are your opinions on SPAs?