even more(1) tells you how big the file is on the first screen

[Dan Jacobson <jidanni@dman.ddts.net>]

You know, I think it's bad that no matter if we are looking
a giant file, or a little file, the mode line has that "Top"
item, instead of some indication of percent.  "Top" is more closed
mouthed than an Army security officer. 
---1:---F1  some_file (Fundamental)--L1--Top--
We have to move the cursor down to engage the percent mechanism.

RMS, I recall, was pleased, as top was top.  However, I want more for
my money without budging a finger. I.e. we have just done M-x
compile. Does the compile output end just below the screen where we
thought it should, or does it go on for page upon page?

No, don't tell me to rely on the exit condition in the modeline, and
no, don't tell me to set the variable that always makes point equal
the end of the compile buffer.

Do instead break the dumb tradition of Top being top. Let's have emacs
give some clue as to how long the file is without us having to budge
from the first screen, etc.

I mean even the mere wimpy less(1) and even more(1) tell you what
percent you are on right there on the first screen.

Ya ya, I know they are talking about lines and you are talking about
screenfulls or whatever.  But it is your mission, Jim, to get the info
one way or the other, to the user, in the modeline, right there, first
screen, no ifs ands or buts.
-- 
http://jidanni.org/ Taiwan(04)25854780