> What is the alignment of your std::array? What is the memory type (e.g. can the GPU read from it at all? Can it write? What are cache policies?). The alternative though is not a C array, it's an explicit memory mapping.

Guaranteed to be contiguous, and semantically equivalent to a C array in all cases.

If you don't trust your vendor's STL implementation take a look at the intrusive containers in EA's STL implementation. It's very very good for games. It's also safe, which is a good thing that doesn't obscure bugs it all.

https://github.com/electronicarts/EASTL

> e.g. can the GPU read from it at all? Can it write? What are cache policies?

Fun fact, you can write your own template container with specific features with no additional overhead from a C "array" that's also memory safe.

> if it starts deallocating at runtime it will take longer to fail).

It can't magically deallocate at runtime. It's deterministic. I don't think you understand you give up zero control. It's just a cleaner system with less room for human error.

> obscuring bugs

What's obscure about knowing exactly where are all memory management occurs without exception? C-style malloc and free scattered all over the project is way more prone to hiding bugs.