Yes that's exactly. you got it right,If you are JS developer, you still need to learn about "understand $scope and $resource, $http etc," features.
If you feel my comment about Angular is completely Unfair, I agree with you and will delete it. But here is my argument.
Why Angular is not Javascript:
1) The code written in Angular javascript gets compiled into javascript.
2) Tough to extend Angular and implement features that are not supported by Angular. Please Try adding new features on your own, then you will feel the pain.
3) Mixing bindings between the markup and script is not a good way to add bindings. Bindings should not be mixed with Markup (Unobtrusive JavaScript).
4) I felt Google is doing the same mistake they did with "GWT". They are not thinking in terms of issues faced by other JS developers, That is why jQuery is still pretty popular (Plugin based approach)
While developing client side app, each requirement is completely different and you really don't need a framework to address all this. But you need libraries like Backbone, jQuery ...etc as per the requirement and backed by open source . This is why, i love Backbone,jQuery ..etc
I worked on 4 applications with each having its own simplicity and complexity that uses Backbone. Never faced any issues, Community is very supportive.
If you have done R&D on JS MVC and like Angular than Backbone JS (Ember JS always confuses me too), Please continue with your work. Because there is always a nicer way of doing things in Client side :).
P.S Here is one of my project in Backbone JS (https://github.com/pradeepin2/bbquiz)
Please share your toughts, Why you prefer Backbone JS over Angular JS ? It will be very helpful.