> The point of JQuery is that I don't have to think about the various (slightly) incompatible implementations

Sure when jQuery was released in 2006, but browsers have had 12 years to improve their compatibility, and they have. Javascript has also had 12 years to improve and simplify its api, and it has.

Your analogy was perfect for jQuery 2006 but in 2018 its more like buying a car to drive around the city or you can just take an Uber, you don't have to walk anymore.