Why same pointer type for GC and manual memory?

[user1234]

On Wednesday, 13 November 2019 at 11:07:12 UTC, IGotD- wrote:
> I'm trying to find the rationale why GC pointers (should be 
> names managed pointers) are using the exact same type as any 
> other pointer.
>
> Doesn't this limit the ability to change the default GC type?
> Doesn't this confusion make GC pointers just as unsafe as raw 
> pointers?
> Has there been any prior discussion about introducing managed 
> pointers in D?

One other reason is that special pointers are not good for 
debugging and have a runtime cost... in D it's not like in a VM.