There is a new 8051 C compiler in beta test that beats Keil's compiler by 35% code size, and 14% speed, on the Dhrystone benchmark. And, there is no need to select a memory model or use special keywords to control data placement.
More details here: www.htsoft.com/.../silabs8051beta
Going back to dedicated TTL circuit debugging really does not help to emphasise the argument. And yes, I have done my share of TTL circuit debugging, so I feel I know enought to say - It does not have a great deal of similarity to compiler optimizations. Well, if you reread the post you will see that the above was in support of YOUR argumnent that thinking is required. That thinking is required, of ourse has nothing to do with optimization, but what we are discussing is debugging and the hurdles the 'threading' optimization put to that
Erik