I haven't used Java since v1.5, roughly around 2005. I do use C# quite a bit, and have since v1.1 (I got into .NET through VB.NET at v1.0, as I had just learned VB through schooling). I look back at all the features that have been added over time, and since I have followed along as it has developed, I embrace the changes. They have made my code more concise and easier to read, with less boilerplate. When I think about someone brand new getting into the language, I truly hope they have a mentor. I can't imagine having to work with someone new to the language, and not being given plenty of time to get them up to speed with both current codebases, as well as newer ones (and I haven't even adopted the newest language versions unless it was suggested to me through Resharper, and I looked up the feature and found how it made my code easier to understand).

I feel like the comparison with Java is similar, as both Oracle and Microsoft are large corporations that largely control the language and ecosystem, while also having open source implementations. C# has made some more major changes to the language itself than Java, but both have diverged quite a bit from what they were back in 2005.

I'll find out next year, as my son goes into high school, and they are offering Java software development classes. I got Apple Basic on the Apple ][e, QuickBasic, and a bit of C++ in high school, and graduated in 1997. I wouldn't be surprised if he's going to be dealing with Java v1.5 instead of the latest features. At least I'll have a motivation to learn the latest features if he enjoys it and keeps working at it.