Because the Linux kernel is so important, and so difficult to replace, people will put up with whatever language inconveniences they must in order to get their contribution accepted.
Therefore, I don't see Linus' choice as having any larger significance.
I already know that C++ is a vastly superior language to C for small to medium scale programs where computational time+space efficiency is paramount.
You misunderstand - I'm just qualifying the experience I'm speaking from.
I've used both languages, but only when time and space efficiency can't be sacrificed.
I've never worked on a large program in either.
Under those conditions, I know from experience that C++ is better. It allows me to abstract safely (I benefit from some compile time type-checking) with little or no run-time cost.
Excuse me but C++ is only vastly superior of C if you are a C++ programmer and do not know C. I am a C++ programmer, and I would never make such a claim. And for time and space efficiency? That doesn't make sense.
Therefore, I don't see Linus' choice as having any larger significance.
I already know that C++ is a vastly superior language to C for small to medium scale programs where computational time+space efficiency is paramount.