[IshKebab]

I think you misunderstood. It's not a bad API because it uses non-owning references. It's a bad API because it doesn't make that clear.

> If you use sharp knives, sometimes you cut your fingers. People like you would claim the knife is the problem.

This is more like a cutting yourself on a razor sharp butter knife. If it's a sharp knife it should look like a sharp knife.