Earlier quoted context omitted.
I suspect that Zig will still end up eclipsing Rust - not because it's a "more powerful" language, but because it's much easier to learn. Lower barriers of entry seem to matter more than mere "power" - see Common Lisp's multi-decade feature lead being ignored, and Python leapfrogging other more capable languages (Common Lisp) or equally capable ones that came first (Ruby) due to ease-of-use.
I think Zig could end up being much more popular for domains where Rust's safety and correctness features are less important. Something like a bluetooth stack is exactly where Rust is ideal though imho. Some for crypto libs.
I understand that the language has a steeper learning curve but it’s an upfront cost compared to C (or Zig?) where you have to put even more effort later on chasing the same bugs which Rust could’ve protected you from.
I don’t know Zig well enough so I’m not arguing against it. It’s just what I think about being safe vs being easier to learn.
But I see your point. At the end of the day, the growth of the language happens almost organically and might not follow the logic I put forward.