You make a very good point, and that it has to do with the relative foundational conceptualisational ability of the types of mainteners. That's great because i

You make a very good point, and that it has to do with the relative foundational conceptualisational ability of the types of mainteners. That's great because it kind of speaks to the crux of the problem. But the first solution does use pointers :) The second uses double pointers. I'd argue that 'even kernel maintainers' may not be so easy with the second in reality. It's probably worth it if there is a performance gain, because it's so low level. But not otherwise. But good point.