I think Ford does a good job of offering the features and tech, but not making them required. Even their EVs have settings that can mimic a gas driving experience. Be a Luddite trust what you trust. But don’t pigeon hole your acceptable years of manufacture.

It’s popular because it has an insanely low barrier to entry, so that’s what gets taught in schools and boot camps. Then that’s all Jr devs know entering the work force. Companies don’t invest in mentoring juniors and cultivating talent anymore, so as the seniors get poached, retire, or move into later stages of their career, JS is the only skill left.