> >  utmp entries are created by ssh logins and reboots/shutdowns,
> >  but not for *any* console or telnet logins.  this is the problem.
> 
> Yes, but it's not a problem on a properly-installed NetBSD 3.0 system.

it is not helping resolve anything to say:

"modifying any script or file on a NetBSD system voids
 any and all operational guarantees".

if this is the case, no one would be deserving of reporting
a problem - because everyone modifies configuration files.

> >  because i maintain several BSD systems, and i have
> >  a stripped custom /etc directory that i use for
> >  all of them; for ease of set-up and maintenance.
> 
> That strikes me as a bad idea. You should've said that originally... In
> that case, all I can say is that you're on your own if your custom
> modifications cause things to break.

just because it strikes as a bad idea,
doesn't mean it is a bad idea.  i can
use the same /etc on a Linux system
as well - bringing up a BSD/Linux
system is a simple and generic process
and can be done with 20 simple shell lines
for most any system.