I certainly don't claim to be an expert, but I have a hunch that getting to the point where performance becomes a significant factor (in the success or failure of a product) isn't going to be about the choice of language. I also think you're vastly underestimating the performance that good architects can get out of ANY (primary) language through good system design. Good design vs bad design makes the biggest difference in my experience, at least from a technical standpoint. Probably just nonsense though as you say.