Expression language in Java EE 8 should bring special treatment for java.util.Optional, similar like it does for maps and lists:

When a base expression evaluates to instance of java.util.Optional, and the property name is not equal present, the result of the evaluation shall be equivalent to calling method map or flatMap on the optional:

• if the base {{Optional]} has value:
  1. evaluate the property against the value of the property,
  2. if the result of an evaluation is instance of an Optional
     • return the value; otherwise
     • return the value wrapped in an Optional
• if base optional, doesn't have value, return Optional.empty()

The property present is evaluated by invoking the method isPresent() of the base object.

An example of implementation of this behaviour can be found in this ELResolver implementation.