Compile time has got to be part of the convo esp when it comes to the kernel. The Linux kernel is one of the few bits where end-users are actively encouraged to compile from source. It is a feature!

Adding C++ compilitis is pain for what gain, from a kernel pov.

I am not a big fan of c++ overall however that is because other languages have emerged that are sweeter than C that gate some of the people issues with C++.

Anyone who has ever had a thing that was like a thing but not exactly the thing, in C, knows C ain’t great at that.