The second version is quite convoluted but it makes sense. But as you say, in this instance I don't think it is a problem that really needs to be fixed when the

The second version is quite convoluted but it makes sense. But as you say, in this instance I don't think it is a problem that really needs to be fixed when the first one is quite obvious and simple to read. And to me, the first version does look like someone used to C who comes to write C++ but writes their C++ like it is C. Wrapping it in the second version (as others have pointed out) is safer because it is reusable, and cleans itself up.