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in JavaScript I pepper each function with if(...) throw, eg the program will throw if something is wrong. Doing this catches a lot of errors and bad state. - Without having to babysit a compiler (Typescript) and I can enjoy all the dynamic features. Sometimes I miss the type annotation as documentation, but then I just rename the variable to make it more clear what it is and does.

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Instead of "babysitting" your compiler, you're "babysitting" your application at runtime - I fail to see the difference.

Good point. Think of it as hand-holding your peers instead of hand-holding the compiler. if(x==y) throw "friendly error" // avoids eternal loop ... The compiler doesn't care if you get an eternal loop at runtime, and static types wont prevent it.

What prevents you from writing the exact same exceptional code in a static system? I'm not sure I understand your point.

If you make it a habit to write exceptions, it's more likely that you would. Some people think tests etc is only needed because the language is dynamic.

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