>
> essential material more obvious. As an example, the VARM wastes a 
> full sentence at the beginning of each optional opcode to say that 
> this is an optional opcode. And they require the reader to read 
> this over and over again even before they tell you what the opcode 
> actually does. A simple asterisk or other sign on the margin would
> have done the same job better.
> 
I think you have gotten a bad VARM :-) The version I have been reading
since the great beginning is V6.2, and it is probably the best 
arch reference manual for any arch I've ever read! Actually everything,
all side effects and so are noted in it.

-- Ragge