I suspect the majority of C++ programmers is older (44 myself), has gotten ranting and raving out of their system and are now quietly doing their jobs. I rememb

I suspect the majority of C++ programmers is older (44 myself), has gotten ranting and raving out of their system and are now quietly doing their jobs. I remember heated discussions about dynamic vs. static typing or templates vs. avoiding code bloat on Usenet but now I feel too complacent to pick any more fights. I think part of it also has to do with the availability of free alternatives for all different paradigms. Back when a decent C++ compiler (Zortech!) would set you back hundreds of dollars it was easier to get defensive about your choice of programming tools and speak up. When the job requires it I still use C++ but not as much as I did 10 years ago; 15 years ago I was using only C++. C++ has survived Java, seems to be on friendly terms with C# and will be still around when the functional bubble has popped.