build change to require a C++ compiler is a no go.
One of the reasons to install gcc on a machine is the absence of a descent C++ compiler. 20 years ago, the C compiler of Sun was completely broken and we were happy to have gcc.
One of the reasons to install gcc on a machine is the absence of a descent C++ compiler. 20 years ago, the C compiler of Sun was completely broken and we were happy to have gcc.
But it sure as hell isn't pleasant. ;)
Nowadays pretty much everyone has access to a Windows or Linux PC, or an OS X Mac, and so has ready access to good compilers. The way you'd handle that Sun nowadays is to build a cross compiler for Sun on your Windows or Linux PC or your Mac, and then use that to build the compiler for your Sun.
It's pretty hard to find a platform for which you can't find a pre-compiled gcc. This was not always the case.
Sun's CC -> Old GCC -> New GCC
While it doesn't require a C++ compiler, in the last few years it has required an increasing list of fairly modern libraries. I don't think requiring a C++ compiler will make things that much harder.