Searching for more clues.. found this older guide:
Not sure how relevant 5 years later, it mentions ./builtbot.sh which appears to automate entire build? maybe it has all the right settings to avoid the 10’s of edits I’m forced to do to get past basic apex/cclang cores/issues ?
(it mentions it lives in some manifest, is that a good path to go to?)
Totally understand that experts have “no time” to explain to “newbies”.. still some basic clue would help, if that is how it is supposed to be/IS, fine, will keep doing as there IS visible progress; BUT, if e/OS has some special framework that (greatly?) simplifies, would love to hear!
BTW, when built Matrixx ROM, it was a LOT easier, never had to edit a single Android.bp, just worked out the repo/their steps.
Any tips welcomed!