It's simplicity is it's greatest asset and I think the addition of simple OOP syntax would finish off this fine product.
OOP itself is a subjective term. If you want an example of a half-assed OOP BASIC implementation, you should check out BlitzMax. It has one of the most F'ed up OOP implementations you will find. You want some more OOP'd BASIC examples that suck Rosie O'Donnell sized ass, check out RealBasic, KBasic, etc.
Not because C++ was a better language, after all it was similar to C in most ways, but because OO programs are easier to maintain and easier to write by more people.
This argument doesn't hold weight. C++ is the "standard" for the industry, you are not going to find multiple programmers working on a multi-hundred-thousand line project done in an indie language whether it is OOP based or not.
Any programming language these days, that wants to attract the masses, has to be object oriented at its core.
If you are the developer of an indie language, that is the #1 way to guarantee you will lose your customers and be out of business.
You can never compete against Microsoft or Borland who are giving away free versions of their OOP languages which ARE the industry standards. Why try and compete in a market there is no chance in hell you will ever be able to turn a profit.
Heck, even non-OOP indie languages have taken a huge hit since Microsoft & Borland released their products for free. Sales for PB became so bad, Fred had to get a full-time job and now only does PB part-time. PB's competitors are also hurting for $$.
well, not those Forth guys, they are a bit weird
Whatcha got against Forth
