static variables?

[Christian S]

I think this is an optimization better solved by having a garbage
collector that allow you to have uncollected "litterals" areas, so
your fields() function doesnt have to create the list on the garbage
collected heap each time. Rather just refer to the list in a litterals
area.

I know someone told me hipe was nibbling on this prospect but i dont
remember what status it had.

Basically, are you not making code less readable by applying micro
optimizations?