[alpatters]

Avoiding its complexity does not mean avoiding it. E.g. you could avoid template metaprogramming due to its complexity whilst keeping to simpler areas of the language.

C++ is a large, multi-paradigm language. It gives you choices and one is free to abuse those choices. But having more options gives you more power to express.

I think with modern C++ style, boost and C++11 its "difficult-to-work-with" reputation is massively overstated. It is possible to write succinct code with good design and get massive performance benefits.