Barney: auto::m4 is one of a small number of 'auto' config step classes for which I have *not* yet written any unit tests in t/steps/. So feel free to apply your combination of Simon's and your patches whenever you've resolved the issues that Bruno raised on list. You're guaranteed to have all current tests passing ;=)
Of course, if anyone would like to contribute some tests for this step class, be my guest! kid51
