I do not think the continuum of language can be mapped along one dimension when considering individuals. Constant development of languages, patterns, and idioms are global manifestations of individual frustrations.
Ideally, every person would have their own programming language (or culture), grown from their own personal experiences and desires. In that case, a qualifier for a good language is one that most easily allows expression of new languages or cultures at the individual level.
For a language designer, this could be an impossible problem due to the unique learning models of each individual. Their best hope may be in attracting those whose mental models have some overlap with their own.
Ideally, every person would have their own programming language (or culture), grown from their own personal experiences and desires. In that case, a qualifier for a good language is one that most easily allows expression of new languages or cultures at the individual level.
For a language designer, this could be an impossible problem due to the unique learning models of each individual. Their best hope may be in attracting those whose mental models have some overlap with their own.