Matrix rules!
Yes, C++ is quite a bit smoother than VB because it is able to do things a lot quicker as it has a more direct path to memory manipulation (among many other things). C++ also allows us to be portable (as AJH said). One of my duties is the Server for YaMM, and I have created a single code base that can compile on both Windows and Linux with the switch of a single #define. This allows us to test it on a wide variety of systems (Linux seems the most stable, obviously).
About the compatibility with Vice City. We need to take this one step at a time. Once we get GTA3 working to a point that the team feels comfortable with, than maybe we will make a VC version. The code could easily be pushed to a Vice City version as long as we can figure out what has changed between the two games (possible a large feat). Time will tell on that one.
AJH mentioned the server list that is obviously not displaying anything yet. We will also look into other methods of getting the running server's to the general public. All of this will be ironed out when we are closer to a release.
C++ is only harder to code for those who do not know it . If you use the C++ language properly and to your advantage, the end result is a beautiful thing. Hopefully we will be able to show you at some point.