It seems that the fundamental problem with the functional paradigm (in its pure form) is that the real world - including the architecture of the computer that is used to run the programs on - is full of side effects, i.e. is essentially "imperative," and with this impedance between them the idea creates more problems than it solves.
Any time an HN comment uses the phrase "fundamental problem" chances are the problem is not only not fundamental, but also rather fun to solve for the right kind of people.
Exactly. These languages come up with more and more strategies and abstractions (from monads to modern effect systems) to help you manage your side effects well. It then raises the level of abstraction in your programs to become simpler and more concise.
