For modern development of what?

Then don't use Javascript.

I'm not sure I can really appreciate another rant about how one language, framework, pre–compiler, VM, etc is terrible and everyone should stop using it.

Javascript's popularity has emerged organically. Its not because it has the best design. Its because it can get the job done and is browser based–and now server-side too. The browser is the next OS, the ultimate VM, if you will.

If you just stop picking at it and appreciate it for what it is...it is f'ing awesome.