Ruby has odd, once unique syntax that looks strange to anyone raised on C-like syntax, including js and java. Python is similar, simply removing redundant braces. So no ruby was not better at things most folks care about.

You seem to have confused personal familiarity with ease of learning.

Things that are familiar are easier to learn, it’s a fact. As someone raised on math notation, then industry exposure. Ruby being a odd one out did it no favors.