Saying it's not "just React" is normalising the problem, which I think really doesn't benefit React trying to set itself as the de-facto standard for front-end code.
Re:How to start a React Project in 2023
by epolanski on Thursday March 23, 2023 @07:42PM
(#35283112)
De facto what...? Maybe if you only read Twitter. There's tremendous amount of work in other libraries too.
I would also argue that poor web standards support hinders the future of React, especially for web components.
I love your analogy. That's definitely how it's felt for me.
It is also not just JavaScript, but also with current AI technologies, which arguably, change even faster than JavaScript. You see, fast changing technology does not imply the underlying tech is bad, but rather there are unexplored new ideas and there are enough interested people ready to dive right in. Yes, it is exhausting to follow. Yes, it is frustrating when the floor shifts underneath you. However, dismissing a tech just because it is fast changing is not a good altitude.
Sorry you're experiencing this. It's not "just React" though, it's pretty much all Javascript (or Typescript) now. Especially front-end, but I swear, JS/TS on the front or back is like trying to learn to drive a car in heavy traffic while also repairing the brake lines which are malfunctioning