This is 100% speculation, but in a few years, I can see Rust as a language in which _those who code in it_ find it to be way more convenient, but those who don't find it more difficult.

Basically, the borrow checker double checks your work. As you get better at not screwing up, it'll become less and less of an issue. When you're just starting out, it can seem way harder, because you're not used to having those restrictions checked.