For X to be the next baton holder, X would need to be quite widely adopted, and the superficially matlab-like look and feel of Julia should really help in this.
The (self-described) bland, Python-esque syntax is absolutely a boon for mass adoption amongst those who feel that Python-eqsue syntax is "natural." That, however, doesn't change my preferences for parentheses, or my wish for people to stop fearing the S-Exprs!
For X to be the next baton holder, X would need to be quite widely adopted, and the superficially matlab-like look and feel of Julia should really help in this.