The algorithm was implemented in a big data framework that handles the allocations, so I would have needed to significantly adapt its memory subsystem to change

The algorithm was implemented in a big data framework that handles the allocations, so I would have needed to significantly adapt its memory subsystem to change this. I've talked to the authors, though, and it's not easy to change. Easier to disable transparent hugepage defrag, especially when there's a paper deadline to meet :)