I think it is simpler and "the compiler not helping" == "things are more transparent".

  int a = 3;
  foo(a);
  // What value has a ?

There are various things one does not have to worry about when using C instead of C++. But the brain needs some time to get used to it.

▲ wasmperson an hour ago | parent [-]

I think I get what you're trying to say, but you may have picked a bad example, here:

  #define foo(a) a = 12

	▲	uecker an hour ago \| parent [-]
		Yes, but this is more a theoretical problems while references are common in C++.