C, C++ are very powerful languages, some would say to powerful. They can't be verified for every possible programming scenario (input-output) though and can take many years to master and require you being involved in the programming process on a daily basis or you will forget.
VB is a good profiling tool and can't be beaten for model testing in terms of development speed and ease of use, or can it?
I personally have some reservations about some of the concepts built into C++, just like some of Cod's database principles they are helpful if your programmes conform to the in-built structures but otherwise they will increse the effort and error trapping will become a nightmare (if it isn't already).
Pascal was a good language to learn but has fallen out of favour in recent years.
Dave.