[lazyjones]

> But really I think the main problem is that you'd have trouble getting a consensus on what would be your sane subset.

This can probably be solved by adding flexible configuration options (C++ compilers already have plenty). In practice, project leaders would then decide on a set of such options, similar to what happens with code style guidelines.

Perhaps some day a majority of people will agree on a "good" subset of C++ / option set and it will become standardized as a new language or dialect.