I wasn't criticizing Rust, and I'm aware of what you linked. The point I was making is that this sort of functionality is a sine qua non for C-replacement lang

I wasn't criticizing Rust, and I'm aware of what you linked. The point I was making is that this sort of functionality is a sine qua non for C-replacement languages. That Rust has it is to its credit, and one reason that I think it is a very good C-replacement language.