Maybe we are all better served by faster compilers that create straightforward binaries (and less bugs overall both in the compiler and application code.)  Optimization researchers could focus on source-to-source transformation tools with intelligent human-in-the-loop guidance.  Or else they can work at the hardware&#x2F;JIT level if they prefer.<p>Right now compiler writers are playing in a kind of local minimum (premature optimization as I said.)  This may produce 3x-5x faster binary code today but also forces CPU manufacturers to retain backward compatibility causing them to also stay stuck in this local well. Eventually a new architecture is created (with 10x the registers etc.) and the cycle continues.