> you really need to throw fast hardware at it for good performance.

That's where — non syntetic benchmark, anecdotal real-world use — Python rips Ruby apart. I cringe every time I wait for "bundle exec {rails console|rails server|rake|cap}". At every point in development, tests and production, ruby execution feels sluggish. Our routine Python dance on my 4 years old Core 2 Duo laptop runs circles around our Ruby stuff on my desktop i7-2400.

2.0 brought Ruby into decent land, but there's so much more to do. Future developments look interesting but I fear about the performance impact of new features (such as refinements).

I'm definitely keeping an eye on Topaz.