i dont think this one qualify as a functional language, since variables are mutable by default
on the second point yes, one the one hand too many languages and too few will see large adoption
one the other hand, competition and activity will drive the popular language to continue innovation and not stagnate, look at C# continuously adding functional features, java also to a lower degree
while many of those new small languages will never see wide use, their existing is pushing the tides
I just want to echo your point that even though any individual new language is very unlikely to ever see significant use, I would still find deep satisfaction in some of the valuable ideas contained within finding their place in a more mainstream language :).
on the second point yes, one the one hand too many languages and too few will see large adoption
one the other hand, competition and activity will drive the popular language to continue innovation and not stagnate, look at C# continuously adding functional features, java also to a lower degree
while many of those new small languages will never see wide use, their existing is pushing the tides