The post: Get List of Directories and Timestamp in a specific format in HP-UX
My answer was short, because it was the answer of an experienced HP-UX administrator (and expert in Posix shell) to an issue about a shell command.
Generally speaking, I agree with you, but in that specific case, I believe you might undelete my answer, as I have no access to a HP9000 for the moment, to provide complete solutions.