Re: why customize toplevel

 I use .ocamlinit too, in conjunction with ocamlmktop.
My .ocamlinit   just contains one line, #use"my_pervasives.ml";;
and my_pervasives.ml contains all the necessary #directory,
#install_printer directive and the shorthands for my favorite functions.

  I've just realized the reason for the troubles I explained in my 
previous post. The directory copy I made omitted to copy 
.ocamlinit because it started with a dot.
  
  So the new toplevel did not receive all the #directory directives
which is why it behaved strangely.

  Thanks to you and Gabriel for helping.