To me, the "situation" is that `a[6]` is being assigned to. So I'd make the compiler ignore the situation, and omit line 3. Then the compiler could optimize th

To me, the "situation" is that `a[6]` is being assigned to. So I'd make the compiler ignore the situation, and omit line 3. Then the compiler could optimize the remaining program, possibly by putting `a` into registers. I think you have a different view on what the "situation" is, so that your view of ignoring it is different from mine (and CRConrads, etc).