I don't understand the point about the subset of C++. Nobody is really saying that, they are saying that for most things pointers should not be used, since they would not be needed. But when they are needed, they exist and should be used. If you need to create your own class which handles memory, (smart)pointers are the way to go. If you need to interface yourself with a C library, bare pointers are the way to go.
The fact that most screws have cross or line head cuts does not mean that I won't ever buy a star-shaped screwdriver. When you don't need it, you don't need it. But when you need it, there's nothing else like it.
On the other hand, higher level languages just cut on what you can do, and just give you a big ultra powerful hammer with which you can slam everything together. I guess it works, but I find it rather sloppy working.
The fact that most screws have cross or line head cuts does not mean that I won't ever buy a star-shaped screwdriver. When you don't need it, you don't need it. But when you need it, there's nothing else like it.
On the other hand, higher level languages just cut on what you can do, and just give you a big ultra powerful hammer with which you can slam everything together. I guess it works, but I find it rather sloppy working.