> The C++ you wrote in 1996 is basically a different language from the C++ that you're encouraged to write today.

We can differentiate between (a) what the language spec says, and (b) what various individuals advocate.

The code we write is generally constrained by (a), but we can usually substitute our own best judgment for (b).*

* Except when the people mentioned in group (b) have sway over the C++ standard.