As someone that started with C++ on MS-DOS, back when 640 KB would be enough for everyone, there is plenty of stuff in C++, making it better than C even in kernel space.

That is why contrary to Linus opinion, Symbian, IBM z and IBM i, Windows (since Vista), GenodeOS, and OS X, have C++ running on their kernels even if it isn't the full blown language.

Additionally many of his criticism against C++, applies equally well to Rust, in terms of language complexity, just wait until some kernel driver go crazy with macros or FP inspired designs.

What is indeed a plus for Rust is the secure code mentality that both C and C++ communities have kept downplaying until companies and government had enough with burning money fixing exploits.