You don't have to use C++XX features you don't like. One of the more beautiful things about C and C++ that I like is that I can go as "bare bones" as I want and

You don't have to use C++XX features you don't like. One of the more beautiful things about C and C++ that I like is that I can go as "bare bones" as I want and still have an incredibly powerful (not to mention performant) language to program in. You didn't (and still don't) have to use STL (any version). You also don't have to use the lambda function syntax or range operator, move operators or rvalue references, or basically any other thing that is "new" to the C++XX standard(s). In fact, if you eschew these things your code is likely to be more portable and longer lived, although it may require more time to develop, and include more re-implementation of boilerplate. Also it's amusing you opine that pointers are "awful" in the same post in which you rail against others' for "screw[ing] up C++". Pointers are one of the best things about the two languages in my opinion. I love the power and flexibility they provide.