As far as a patch goes, it looks like someone would have to modify kbd.c for every camera to bypass the remote button stuff. The raw stuff is all in generic/capt_seq.c so only needs one file to be changed. If you are going to continue to work on CHDK, you might want to download TortoiseSVN and learn to use is - should only take an hour or two.
I see what you mean, working outside the platform folder whenever possible makes changes easier to implement (and less assembly!). I'm working on adding the functionality to remap buttons/mode in normal operation (outside alt) - to get that working will require changes in each kbd.c, I'll revamp the remote mess then.
yeah, I need to figure out a 'workflow' with this whole thing. Time a home is very slim at the moment, while at work I cannot install anything or bring in any electronics. But hey, how many people can sit and read a book, or tinker on the net for hours like i do and get paid for it?
In the case of the raw hook, it actually does some stuff which may need to be done if raw isn't enabled.
Ah, I see "raw_savefile" is where the main chunk of code for this is and besides raw saving there's shot_histogram stuff and bracketing. State_shooting_progress stuff might need to be modified too I can't tell yet, but this still should be a fairly easy patch once i decode how it all works.
As for saving a few instructions, it looks to me the processing is halted while the chdk raw stuff is running. Just passing back and forth between threads there's a a few sleep_tasks to go through. Does it add up to much? Maybe not, but should we not try to streamline the code where fairly easily can? (its a matter of priorities and available time)
My focus is to make CHDK feel like less of a hack and more integrated into the workings of the camera - a camera carried in my pocket used for snapshots and when a scene catches my eye and I left the rest of my photography kit at home (which is most the time lately). I want to make my camera work like I want instead of dummied down for the average consumer. Responsiveness is a big part of this. I'm sure I'm not alone in my wants, so I'll try to incorporate my improvements into the trunk instead of veering off into my own custom build.