"Or consider someone who is on an 80x25 terminal"... ok now where are just getting silly. This discussion isnt even really technical but more of a aesthetic opinion. A single standard would be best but it wont happen because it really doesnt matter as long as the code runs and your coders arent actively making text-pictures. Also that free BSD example is only because they have the time to format their comments like that. No one really comments like that , its unnecessary and if it causes problems then a simpler form should be used.