The key is in another comment on this thread:

> Lots of these things that look like syntax problems are in fact design problems surfaced by the compiler.

A lot of people are finding value in the rules Rust provides. This is irrespective of domain. The strict compiler helps you refactor code in ways that less strict languages don't. You still can do it, of course, you just have a lot less help.

The trick is, is the initial hit in productivity worth it, until you get up to speed?

That said, of course everything doesn't need to be in Rust. But there's a reason it's finding broader appeal than purely systems stuff.