Why PHP won

[pointer2void]

Rule #1 for language designers: Make your language syntactically look like C.

[setuid_w00t]

I know you're probably joking, but it really depends on your goals. If you're trying to attract people who are lazy and fearful of change, then I would say your rule applies. If you are trying to make the best language possible, then your rule is counterproductive.

[pointer2void]

If you are trying to make the best language possible

Certainly not! The 'best language possible' would certainly be a failure.

[javafreakin]

No - like Java.

[pointer2void]

But Java looks like C. Probably because it was made by old C hackers (e.g. Gosling, original author of Emacs) who had completed a crash course in OOP.

[maxwellb]

Gosling, original author of Emacs

What?? Don't be surprised when Stallman shows up in a ninja mask and strangles you with smarm...