> I don't like the idea of placing requirements on the environment,
> especially as the required value of MAKEOBJDIR will vary from directory to
> directory.

That's a valid point.

> I suppose it might be possible to arrange that the system makefiles spot
> when MAKEOBJDIR isn't set and re-exec make with it set appropriately, but
> that sounds painful and doesn't handle changing it when crossing into
> subdirectories.

No I wouldn't suggest doing that.  MAKEOBJDIR is good for doing clever
things - but only if you want to do them consitently.

--sjg