i don't usually use apt-get to install freepascal either mainly because i want to use development verisons.

id hardly call thier packager brain damaged though i can't say i've ever had any real trouble with it there are a few quirks to learn but its no real trouble.

when i mentioned using apt-get before (that guest was me) i was refereing to using it to install stuff lazarus depends on not using it to install lazarus itself.