| Is it even possible to use the web nowadays without JS enabled?

Yes, but results may vary. I can do 99% of my daily browsing without JavaScript enabled, and for the sites where it's needed, NoScript can be told to always allow it (one specific script, or everything on the page). This is why you constantly see NoScript being recommended, it allows you to toggle JS on and off, as needed, which is invaluable.

I've been using NoScript for years and how much is blocked never ceases to amaze me. 99% of the script that most sites run has nothing to do with viewing content, or usability, and everything to do with tracking (there are usually multiple instances, sometimes dozens, on a single page; it's astounding).

Another nice feature in NoScript that I just picked up on is the shift+left-click option in the script list. This allows me to investigate what that particular script is for, and choose to permanently block/allow it. Very handy, and also eye-opening in regards to privacy.