Rust is likely not an option for most people using C++ yet. C++ has one huge advantage over almost every other language: its tools and eco system. MSVC++, Intel's ICC, GCC and LDC are all solid compilers where you will not paint yourself into a corner because of your tools.
D is more mature but still can't compete on tools since only a few languages can make that claim.
Your case is another big point. C++ can manage memory without raw pointers AND without garbage collection. It should be able to compile without a big runtime, but for some reason its modern dependencies are just as big as scripting languages.
"for some reason its modern dependencies are just as big as scripting languages"
In what way? Isn't writing an application trivial with the STL? Even something like a GUI is possible with a small system and FLTK (although it isn't really very pretty).
D is more mature but still can't compete on tools since only a few languages can make that claim.
Your case is another big point. C++ can manage memory without raw pointers AND without garbage collection. It should be able to compile without a big runtime, but for some reason its modern dependencies are just as big as scripting languages.