One distribution must compile and run on anything imaginable. There is no reason not to use autoconf. Not only must current culture be considered when designing a format, but designers must make a good effort to peer into their crystal ball and foresee upcoming developments in language use. It should be possible for a programmer to figure out the contents of a data file with no external references. The library must perform its own error checking, and guarantee returning good data or a well-defined error status.
Core dumps are a sign of stupidity and sloppiness.
Returning corrupt data is worse, and never, EVER acceptable. This is a hard one to quantify. Then again, perhaps it just adds complexity without enough benefit. Impact on Research Learning a new format is always painful. Sometimes it is worth the effort.