Jeremy C. Reed wrote:
 > I like using the build-from-source system called pkgsrc. It also
 > builds binary packages and provides binary package administration
 > tools which make it quick and easy on systems where I don't want
 > to (or don't have time to)  build from source

Thanks, Jeremy.  I see you are currently in the headlines at
  <http://www.netbsd.org/Documentation/software/packages.html>
as a contributor to the pkgsrc system in the BSDi environment.

I have also learned that pkgsrc is NetBSD's packaging system,
building from source and also managing binary installs.
Binaries are currently available for Slackware and Debian.

My impatience has been a matter of permanent frustration
rather than extended compile times.  My meager admin skills
are all oriented towards Linux, though I have done plenty of
application programming under BSD.  I will probably try Gentoo
at this point:  I expect it will be a stronger fit with my
existing skill set.  I have a longer-term interest in NetBSD,
so that may be an angle for me in the future.

Thanks,

Vic