> How about modifying ranlib to recognize the old format as a
> compatibility feature, but use the new format from now on?

the problem isn't with ranlib, it is with ld.

in any case, if you ever discover that your libraries are
of the wrong format it appears you can rebuild them this
way:
	ar d libXXX.a __.SYMDEF
	ranlib libXXX.a

Do that using a ranlib that is compatible with your linker.
When doing this new upgrade I suggest that you save a copy of
your ranlib and ld binaries, just incase something goes wrong.

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