So I've just learned that C has no exceptions

Instead, they use some weird setjmp/longjmp shit.
Holy fuck, and some trolls here dare say that "C is a good language".

>>18

there are more important metrics than speed

Oh, I agree. You also have to consider code size and readability. Unfortunately there are many cases where a forward goto that jumps into the epilogue of a long function wins on size (vs. using a separate function for cleanup) and readability (vs. nesting conditionals).

Don't misunderstand me, I would certainly like to have a more structured way of doing error handling with minimal overhead. Until the language provides one, though, you'll have to excuse me for using goto where there is no superior alternative.