> TypeScript's decision to embrace existing npm ecosystem and layering .d.ts on top was a very practical decision that made it so successful.

This is basically the same argument made for C++ and I think it's not a very solid one. We know this worked, but that's not evidence that alternatives couldn't have succeeded. I think in a world where Queen never happened the prevailing wisdom would be that someone like Farrokh Bulsara (Freddie Mercury) can't be a rockstar because that seems ridiculous.

Actually speaking of royalty, Prince is an even more extreme case. You cannot use numeral-letter substitutions in song titles, that's something for kids and won't... oh unless you're Prince. Yeah, no, "Nothing Compares 2 U" is fine Prince, thanks.