What many people don't understand is that C++ has at least two target audiences: (1) people writing low level libraries using templates and other esoteric stuff

What many people don't understand is that C++ has at least two target audiences: (1) people writing low level libraries using templates and other esoteric stuff; and (2) people writing application code. (1) is needed because C++ is a language that can target multiple environments and operating systems. The template craziness is necessary to make the system fast and easy to use for application developers. If you are writing applications, however, you should try to use only bread and butter features, along with standard libraries such as STL and semi-standard stuff like Qt. Once you understand this, your life will be much easier with C++.