core file size and macros

core file size and macros


I am wondering: what is the general philosophy for the jquery core
regarding coding "macros" which take a little time to execute but
reduce the file size of the library or a plugin. I have noticed macros
used, for example, on the core height/width functions and the event
bind/trigger shortcut functions (the usage there is a clear no-brainer
as 20 functions are created in about 7 lines). But what is the cost/
benefit threshold of this practice (what should I do if I notice
additional potential size reducing macros). Based on what little I
understand about gzipping, the shorter code will not always compress
to the smallest, so what practices should be observed to optimize
compression?
-mike