> Have you tried similar frameworks like Derby (http://derbyjs.com/)? If so, can you compare your experiences?

I tried Derby.js because of one important for me missing feature of Meteor: serverside HTML rendering - required for search engines and also for CMS or content like applications. IMO Derby.js got it right there.

Unfortunately Derby.js is seriously lacking professional documentation of any kind: Meteor already has books and 2 very good and long enough video courses (from pluralsight and tutsplus)