This is probably not the place to argue it but I don't see the benefit. Shouldn't every path then be constructed that way? e.g.

    plugins_dir = ENV['OPENSHIFT_CONF_DIR'] || File.join %w[ / etc openshift ]
    plugins_dir = File.join(plugins_dir, 'plugins.d', '*.conf')
    plugins = Dir[plugins_dir].map {...

There is just no way we are doing that with any regularity. It's not pretty and I don't even see the purpose it serves, especially if not done universally.