I don't like Java, but don't underestimate the performance of the JVM. Unless you're a crazy perf wiz, then your average C code won't beat your average Java code. It's fast enough for short processes, and for long processes the JIT is pretty darn good. Also note that a JIT can perform runtime assumptions and optimize code based on what is currently the case, which an AOT compiler cannot.

It takes a lot more than a toolchain to write fast code.

In what scale?

What it matters is if it is fast enough for the use case being targeted.

As side note I remember when C compilers for home computers generated worser code than junior Assembly programmers.