I find
this page amusing, though not ironic (since WTL is based on ATL, a Microsoft technology).
Personally, ActiveX (or the COM) has proven to be more of a thorn in the side than a significant benefit in my windows experience. It has led to the development of monsters like HKLM\Software\Classes ( >_< ).
However, I'm certain you can do more with ATL and WTL than just develop COM-based libraries and programs.