It's not actually the fastest. Check out the tabs at the top of the benchmark. You are only looking at basic JSON serialization on an i7. A more realistic benchmark is the 'fortune cookie' benchmarks which actually hit a database and does some modifications on the results - which most of your requests will do. Go performs at only 50% of the more optimized Java/C++ frameworks in this case.

The benefits are just too big to ignore and the barrier of entry is really, really low. The Go language is so refreshingly simple and the standard libraries are very well documented. You can hit the ground running in days.

The thing about Go is if the language appeals to you then the fact that there aren't 10 layers of legacy framework cruft between you and the actual app logic is actually a good thing, not a bad one.

And Go does have some great "batteries included" stuff where it counts. With a few notable exceptions I find the 3rd party web frameworks for Go don't really add much over the standard library's net/http and html template system.

I have a bias against Java. I realize I may be deluded, but my experience the vast majority of things written in Java are garbage. Here, 'garbage' is an intentionally vague term coming from my personal opinion of using a piece of software in a consumer and DevOps role. It may be that the Java language is conducive to writing bad code, that the JVM has problems, or that the 'global talent base' is so broad and Java is so 'easy' that talent is difficult to come by, or I might be plain wrong.

I realize that Java is incredibly useful for some things and that my reasons for labeling software garbage aren't always of primary concern; criticizing anyone for choosing Java is beyond me.

However, I would be very reluctant to ever choose Java for a project given the opportunity.