[Nvorzula]

This is the precise insight that jumped out at me.

I often get raised eyebrows when I state that, by my definition, Python and Javascript are among the mostly brutally difficult programming languages out there.

Python is a wonderful candidate for one-off tooling and experimentation, particularly because the cost of wild explosions in these cases, and the odds of requiring long term maintenance, are rather low. However, if your plan is to hire fresh college grads, hand them a Python 2.7 interpreter, and ask them to a build a mission critical, 200k+ line, product - that just seems professionally negligent.