I'm currently learning JavaScript, React and Node to try and develop my own ideas on the blockchain, it's slow going but I don't think there's really any other way to get things happening unless I get my hands dirty.
I totally agree with the point you made, especially with the UI... but I will say that some of the dApps look pretty sweet. I do think Appics is quite a bit underrated by people on this platform. I don't know them so well, but their app looks really slick and it seems like they're doing a lot of work to get celebrities and influencers involved in their platform. Of course, they're probably not too happy with another delay in the SMT.
If anyone's interested, the JavaScript courses on Treehouse are pretty great. Definitely a good starting point and I personally think it's good value.