Perhaps this is a simple question. 

The capabilities of the average "PC" (aka x86 based platform) are pulling
the kernel into a non-optimal design space for older, less capable,
platforms. (mine is the VAX). Case in point, support for 64 bit integers,
file access, etc. 

My question is has anyone done any research on scalable kernels that adapt
to the capabilities of the underlying platform while preserving fundamental
semantics. Pointers to the relevant papers would be sufficient. Thanks!

--Chuck