Feedback-driven optimization

[Robert Myers]

Hello,

Compiler-naive but hard-to-deter hacker would like to explore 
feedback-driven optimization as in

http://gcc.gnu.org/news/profiledriven.html

only  more so.  In particular, VLIW optimizations have never come 
anywhere near to theoretical oracle performance, but I can't see that 
anybody has ever really tried all that hard.

Would like to fiddle around with Bayesian experience-based optimization 
strategies for IA-64.  Not trying to build a realistic optimization 
scheme.  Pure research: given lots of experience how close can you get 
to oracle performance without cheating.

gcc is the perfect base for this enterprise because I have access to the 
source and it comes in an IA-64 flavor.

One problem: my instincts tell me I should be working with RTL, not 
binary, but gcc doesn't permit routine dump of RTL.

Another problem:  I don't have an IA-64 and probably don't want one.  
What I really want is an emulator that can be completely instrumented.

Suggestions, advice, feedback.  Are you completely mad is okay, as long 
as you have some helpful advice to go along  with it.

RM