So the question is, why does it call cc on my system and ld on Brook's?
   As I suggested, it doesn't appear to be an a.out vs. ELF thing at all.

Except for the fact that I think you said your's was ELF and mine is
a.out.  So perhaps the issue is that different make rules are being
used depending on the ELF/a.out type?

   > so this package actually doesn't currently (or at least a few days ago)
   > build on a.out either for this reason.

   I ahve empirical proof that it does.

I'm confused, now.  It definitely doesn't work on my a.out system.

Cheers,
Brook