Hi Vincent, So, I don't mind if the paragraph about xspace is removed altogether from the manual.
I replaced the details about it with a mere mention that it exists. Only control words gobble the following spaces, control symbols Yes, I am well aware of this :). I have been trying to avoid using those terms, though not for any overriding reason. I was just being lazy in saying "control sequence". I changed it to "alphabetic control sequence", which is at least somewhat more correct, and took out the "command". There is plenty more to be done in this area, and all others. In addition to things you mention, I think it \SPACE and \@ should be described (fully) in separate nodes, not glommed together. (Reference manual vs. user manual again.) Beyond that, I think it would be actually be a better use of time to add more of the missing control sequences from latex2e to the manual than anything else. Out of time for anything more today though ... -k