[scott_s]

File systems tend not to have large data structures. They are relatively modest data structures which manage bulk access to large blocks of data. A subtle distinction, but important in this context.

[IgorPartola]

Really? Even huge volumes with loads of tiny files? Mail and Usenet servers? Build servers? What is your definition of large and modest here?

[rosser]

The data structures under discussion here are those used to track individual files. Yes, there can be squillions of them, but as data structures, they are, in fact, rather modest.