[jandrewrogers]

It really depends on the kind of systems programming you are doing. As a rough heuristic, C for embedded because portability across odd silicon; C++ for complex software close to the metal, like database kernels; Rust for somewhat higher level software — not so close to the metal — where performance matters. Right tool for the job, and all that.

All are good choices in the right context. None is unambiguously superior for all systems programming use cases.