[dasmithii]

You're correct. When fetched, modules are given their own directory and compiled locally (one directory per module/dependency). New projects are then scanned for dependencies, linked against pre-compiled libraries, and necessary headers are added to the search path.

In terms of presets, I have some [basic] defaults included myself, but more can be added in an optional config file, along with arbitrary compiler flags.

Kit is optimized for simple projects, where crazy build scripts aren't needed. So, yeah, for fine-grained control, I'd stick to existing tools. However, this may be more pleasant than alternatives for personal projects, as you mention.