The problem with C++ that the article explores isn't that it's complex. It's that it's unnecessarily complex, and you could have a language with all that power (and then some, like say a proper macro facility) without so many warts. Indeed, Rust is a proof by example now.
Of course, those warts were necessary for C++ to be successful back when it was introduced and competing against others, and therefore to its popularity today. And this popularity is just as much a part of C++ appeal as its power. But we can call them out for what they are, without trying to justify them.
Of course, those warts were necessary for C++ to be successful back when it was introduced and competing against others, and therefore to its popularity today. And this popularity is just as much a part of C++ appeal as its power. But we can call them out for what they are, without trying to justify them.