I've noticed that by default, the maximum number of open file
   descriptors per process (set in sys/syslimits.h) is only 64. Many
   other operating systems set the default limit much higher -- at 256 in
   SunOS, for instance (and even reportedly 1024 in Solaris). Should this
   be changed? Its a bit of a hardship for big event driven programs and
   similar things...

actually, solaris has a default of 64 also.

however, solaris isn't a mile stone of perfection...i agree with perry  :-)