> And every actual survey shows that there are as many people on a runtime > 8 as there are people on 8:
I don't think you even bothered to read the sources you're quoting, and you're just trying to make baseless assertions.
The very first question on JetBrain's survey is "Which versions of Java do you regularly use?", and 50% answered Java 8 with around 2% mentioning Java 7 and 1% answering Java 6. On top of that, Java11 alone comprised around 38%.
And you're talking about Java21? It doesn't even register in the survey at all.
I'm not talking about Java 21 when referring to that data, I was refuting your baseless claim that I don't work in Java. I don't think you even bothered to actually read or comprehend my comment.
The data there clearly shows that the ecosystem has as many users running a modern version. Which directly counters your assertion that everyone is just running 8.
https://www.jetbrains.com/lp/devecosystem-2023/java/