Why D is not popular enough?

[Wyatt via Digitalmars-d]

On Friday, 12 August 2016 at 12:27:50 UTC, Andrei Alexandrescu 
wrote:
> I recall I had a similar reaction as Edward back in the day. No 
> hurt feelings or anything, but the arguments made were so 
> specious I'd roll my eyes whenever I saw them in the C++ 
> forums. -- Andrei

So what changed?  What gave you the initial kick to start moving 
from sideline scoffer to benevolent diarch?

-Wyatt