> This strikes me a lot like the C vs. safer programming language debate all over again.
I don't see how. Safer programming language address a clear problem in C, with trade-offs (sometimes arguably the trade-offs may not be worth it, and in my experience that's what the debate tends to be about). If jj is a replacement for git it should be clear what problem within git it aims at addressing. If the problem is in the UX, then to me and many others it's not worth the trouble.
Now imagine not needing to do that.
> I don't see how. Safer programming language address a clear problem in C
Being productive in C means training and experience in avoiding the footguns of C. See above.