>Why would Microsoft invent C#?

A. Like Rick said, C++ is too hard if you wanna write code that performs like VB, not worth the time at all. C# makes it worth while and keeps you away from VB.

B. No more J++ and now C#? Hmmm, since MS decided not to use Java (too much legal problems I guess) they just wrote their own version.

C. A new cutting edge langauge is a promotional dream.

"Why the hell bother" is probably the easiest way to say what I've been trying to say all along as far as a compile option goes.