For #2, .PRECIOUS doesn't help me. From the make manual: "Also, if the target is an intermediate file, it will not be deleted after it is no longer needed, as is normally done." This means that my intermediate files will never be deleted by make, even when everything that is built from them has been completed.
For #3, no I think I know how to read ps. I don't want 64 64-thread processes running on my 64-thread server, because that is hell for an OS scheduler, and makes things run slower, not faster.
For #2, you could always make a dependency that removes your intermediates for you after your final use. You can't be mad at make because it deletes intermediates and because it doesn't delete intermediates. Make isn't psychic.
For #3, I didn't mean to come across as pedantic. I haven't encountered what you're describing, but I have personally been surprised by how Linux does process accounting, so I apologize; I just figured you were being bitten by the same thing.
I like make a lot, but I don't use it for everything, because sometimes there simply are better tools for the task, and I hope you were able to figure out a solution.
For #3, no I think I know how to read ps. I don't want 64 64-thread processes running on my 64-thread server, because that is hell for an OS scheduler, and makes things run slower, not faster.