Mpeg4 disinformation

[chalmersg]

google vlc and mpeg4 - results in a babble of misinformation regarding performance difficulties and much bad advice.
One site even advises the user to NOT use VLC for playing mp4 files because it is unable to do so successfully.
Anyone new to VLC (including myself) is likely to be bewildered by the comprehensive nature of the software and the implied understanding of the world of multimedia, codecs, etc, that is presumed of the user.
In the light of this predicament, I ask:
Does VLC have inherent difficulties playing mpeg4 files?
If so; is this being addressed at the development level and, therefore, likely to be solved in future releases?
If not; is it possible to recommend a standard configuration to optimize VLC for playing mpeg4 files?
Does VLC make any adjustments to its own configuration when loading and playing mpeg4 files in an attempt to overcome inbuilt shortcomings?
What advice can VideoLAN give to newbie users to preconfigure VLC to perform at its best when faced with an mpeg4 file?
Finally; by the number of sites making comment on this subject, it appears that mpeg4 files are becoming common amongst the media being run on VLC and the world of users is having a suite of common performance problems trying to play them. Has (or can) this issue be addressed in detail for the benefit of users in general?
GPC

[Jean-Baptiste Kempf]

VLC should play mp4 file just fine. Use VLC 2.0.5 for that.