I disagree because GCC has cross platform libraries just like Pascal. The language and compiler don't beat Pascal, but the library (specific to forms at least) certainly does win out. The LCL is bloated and large currently, and doesn't render correctly on windows with any alternate or enhanced shell.

I've also looked at Ogre3D, and while it is free it isn't the greatest. What is the greatest I can't say as I don't specifically look for C++ engines.