[richardwhiuk]

I'd really like something like this to happen, but I agree that this set of patches isn't likely to get included. Submodules are my biggest gripe with git usage, and what persuades me not to suggest people roll git out more widely. I've seen various strategies to avoid submodules (build scripts that clone sub repos instead is one example alternative) but it'd be much nicer if it there was a One True Way which worked properly.