I specifically mentioned mutually tail recursive functions. Self-recursive functions, like what you're describing, are much less useful or interesting. I say t

I specifically mentioned mutually tail recursive functions. Self-recursive functions, like what you're describing, are much less useful or interesting. I say that as a Scala developer that loves Scala and the JVM - the lack of tail calls optimization at the JVM level is a pain in the ass, because in order to work around it you have to effectively build your own call stack.