Because of that, no matter how slow Java is now, it won't matter in the future. This makes them far faster than machines that don't. People are working on Native-Java. Which means you write the programs in Java, but you compile them as stand alone Applications for each platform. It is just a matter of time.
People are resistant to change, even when they know it is for the better.
So the last thing that has been holding Java back is the time it takes to switch. But it will probably not happen as quick as people think. They have already made their mark, and are going to do more. This means that stand-alone Java Apps are becoming more viable. So already Java Apps are making dents in certain markets.