[Rd] Feature request: mixing `...` (three dots) with other formal arguments in S4 methods

[Janko Thyson]

Dear List,

I'm currently investigating if the argument dispatch mechanism based on
`...` could somehow be "generalized" to scenarios that involve `r`
recipients located across `c` calling stack layers *and* combined with the
S4 method mechanism (for those interested see
http://stackoverflow.com/questions/26963900/generalizing-three-dots-argument-dispatch-s4-methods-for-argument-set-i
for an (conceptual) approach of how this could be realized).

AFAICT, this would require that `...` can be *mixed* with other signature
arguments, which is currently not supported as stated in `?dotsMethods`:

Quote {
Using "..." in a Signature

Beginning with version 2.8.0 of R, S4 methods can be dispatched (selected
and called) corresponding to the special argument “...”. Currently, “...”
cannot be mixed with other formal arguments: either the signature of the
generic function is “...” only, or it does not contain “...”. (This
restriction may be lifted in a future version.)
}

Would it be possible to consider lifting this limitation soon?

Thanks a lot to everyone maintaining R!!

Janko

	[[alternative HTML version deleted]]