The main purpose of this FQA is to convince people of the following:
There is no reason to use C++ for new projects. However, there are existing projects in C++ which might be worth working on. Weighting the positive aspects of such a project against the sad fact that C++ is involved is a matter of personal judgment.
If you end up working with C++, don't try to "fix" it (or "boost" it). You'll just add more layers of complexity. The most productive approach is to accept the problems and try to write simple code which people can easily follow.
If you are an expert in the intricacies of C++, please consider this knowledge a kind of martial art - something a real master never uses.