If C is so evil why is it so successful?

[Tor Arntsen]

> C is like sports cars: A lot of people want them, some can afford them
> but very few can actually drive them.

I completely disagree. That is just a made-up comparision. E.g.: C
compilers are for the most part free (as in 'gratis') these days. And
there a probably more competent C programmers around than
competent-whatever-else. Many incompetent ones, sure, but that's just
because of sheer numbers. And it's much easier to be incompetent in
C++ or what have you.
In other words: C is not like sports cars at all. At least not for the
reasons listed.