Oh, so VC++ follows standards, these days? In the .NET C++, too?? Wonder will never cease... :-)

Some people still use GCC extensions in new code? Ah well...

I do remember other monopolists abusing power. (Don't ask me about food prices and Swedish oligopolies.. it is too long.)

A counter example (to file systems protocols and file formats, here) proves that Microsoft isn't doing the "embrace and extend" thing everywhere. I didn't argue that, of course.