Decided to release a private plugin that I've built over a year ago. Reminder: I update my plugins only when I want to.
There are 2 elements
1. TCH - T2JSON element
Takes a list of Bubble Things or API Connector types and converts them to JSON.
Note that the JSON keys will use may not use the field names you specify. It uses keys that Bubble uses appended with the type eg. "field_name_field_type".

2. TCH - J2Type element
This takes a JSON and converts it to an API Connector Datatype. Just create a GET API call in a collection and then paste your a Raw JSON sample to initialize.

This enables you to work with client-side structured data like you would a Bubble datatype in the editor. Consider the output values in it's state as temporary data.

There are helpers like sorting by key and extracting a single record.
There is a helper action to help you change a value of records IN THE OUTPUT STATES (does not change the input JSON values)

----- JSONPath Update Value action -----
This plugin supports an easier way to specify paths to your JSON data and then make updates. Instead of learning complex JSONPath expressions, you can use simple, intuitive syntax. I plan to make it easy to change multiple values at a time in a future update.

----- Quick Examples -----

Before (JSONPath)
$.user.name                    // Get user's name
$.users[0].age                 // Get first user's age  
$[?(@.name=="John")].status    // Find John's status

Now (Simplified)
user.name           // Get user's name
users[0].age        // Get first user's age
[name="john"].status // Find John's status

----- How to Use -----
Option 1: New Simple Action
1. Use the "Simple Update Value" action
2. Set simplePath to something like: user.name
3. Set your valueType and newValue
Done!

Option 2: Enhanced Original Action
1. Use the existing "JSONPath Update Value" action
2. Leave jsonPath empty
3. Set simplePath to your simple syntax
4. Set your valueType and newValue

Option 3: Test Your Paths
1. Use the "Preview Path Conversion" action
2. Set testPath to test your simplified syntax
3. Check the 'Path Conversion (Debug)' state to see the conversion result

----- Common Patterns -----
What You Want Simple Syntax Example
Update a property object.property user.email
Update array item by index array[0].property users[0].name
Find and update by value [field="value"].property [status="active"].email
Nested objects parent.child.grandchild user.profile.settings

----- Using JSONPath Expressions -----
Be sure to use the correct field property when supplying your JSONPath: "JSONPath" instead of "Simple Path". Other than that the plugin automatically detects which syntax you're using.