I think some people want things to be DSL-like. However, I don’t think, long-term, using a DSL-like syntax wins. Ruby was famous for abusing Ruby’s unique syntax to make everything into a DSL and it turned off newcomers. Similarly, Java’s DI frameworks meet a lot of resistance because of their heavy use of annotations. Ultimately, DSLs are separate languages. Most people don’t want to learn a new language.
In my experience as someone who has worked with dozens of new Ruby developers, I think the ability to create expressive DSLs was a significant net positive. It was much more likely to be a source of excitement than something that turned newcomers off. I don't think DSLs are or were a problem for Ruby (nor do I think they count as "abusing syntax").
The countless users of popular third-party frameworks are the opposite of a “experienced, cohesive team” so I agree with you that it can and has caused problems there.
