I agree with the GP. It frustrates me when the surface syntax and the semantics are not split apart. The constraints of old compiler technology (pre-3rd-millenn

I agree with the GP. It frustrates me when the surface syntax and the semantics are not split apart. The constraints of old compiler technology (pre-3rd-millennium) continue to dictate the overall architecture of compilers. LLVM is a tiny baby step in the right direction. Note, I'm not advocating for a single solution, here. I'm advocating that language authors should always think in terms of a front, middle, and back-end: front is surface syntax (their preferred one?); middle is the semantics, with a prescribed API; and, the backend is the implementation side — nicely abstracted by a 2nd API. That way it gives those of us stuck in not-your-language a fighting chance to integrate Your Cool Thing™.