Tom,
> BTW, does pg_dumpall know to dump ALTER USER SET settings attached
> to built-in roles (such as the proposed "autovacuum" role)? I'd bet
> it doesn't do that. Even if it does, that seems like a more awkward
> way to push settings over to a new installation than copying your
> postgresql.conf file.
>
> Simon's idea of "profiles" sounds worth pursuing to me, but clearly
> it's not happening for 8.4.
I don't see why having a *separate* concept of profiles in addition to
the ROLES is helpful. It seems like building a whole new house when all
we really need is to expand the garage.
--Josh