Earlier quoted context omitted.
I do use it directly. For example in Fexl I define the append function for lists as: \append=(@\append\x\y x y \h\t [h; append t y]) Where '@' is the Y-combinator. Note that there's no direct self-reference with the symbol "append" there. I could define it equivalently as: \append=(@\loop\x\y x y \h\t [h; loop t y])
Why? Is it unreasonably difficult for you to implement recursion via direct self-reference in your language? Or do you just not want to because the Y combinator is there and it's cool?
OK, I went ahead and revived the "==" syntax for recursive definitions, so you don't have to use '@' (fixpoint) explicitly.
https://github.com/chkoreff/Fexl/commit/57b841cb6c2347cad147...