It isn't true unless that investment includes tons of bespoke and unrealistic compiler work and an open side channel (e.g. in the form of command-line flags to

It isn't true unless that investment includes tons of bespoke and unrealistic compiler work and an open side channel (e.g. in the form of command-line flags to the compiler) to get it to lay down exactly what you want it to. When people write those kinds of things, they're being hyperbolic. It's best not to assent, in light of the chest thumpers. Complete control just isn't possible in C++. More control than many of its contemporaries, yes.