This works for some sites, but honestly it's easier using the Firefox reading mode on those sites, it basically does the same thing. It only works if the page loads the full articles text behind the pay wall popup which unfortunately not many do.
I agree GNOME is resource heavy however that has nothing to do with Javascript being involved. The James Web Telescope uses Javascript for some of its core functionality (specifically managing its science modules), does that make it a web browser? I personally don't like GNOME either, but most of it is written in C, it has its own GUI library which is written in C. The Javascript code likely just is used to simplify calling the underlying C functions and CSS is used for customizing the actual UI elements.
I had to look this study up, it was worth it lol. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34197845/
They showed off Squadron 42 earlier this year. They’re definitely spending money on stuff since it had a ton of A-List actors in the game. Graphics look amazing, everything looks so detailed… The game engine however was struggling. During the gameplay footage it constantly looked like the frame rate dropped to 15fps. They claim the game is “Feature Complete” (whatever that means in their definition…) and now is in the polishing stage. I honestly don’t think their CryEngine based Engine will run well even on the latest and best hardware when (if) it finally releases unless they make massive changes to the engine…