Jeff,
Nathan Crookston wrote:1. Both this and Michel's suggestions require C++11 features -- either decltype or rvalue references. Extended transformed allows the creation of a result_binder struct to be delayed until the reference type of the input range is available. This would make it usable for non-lambda instances where an explicit return type is desired without the fuss of defining a separate functor (assuming the functor to be wrapped cannot be changed). I believe a correct C++03 version of result_binder would need a large number of operator() overloads depending on how many arguments it intends to forward.
True, though this sounds like more of an implementation concern (don't get me wrong, it's a valid concern) than a capability concern.
2. Such a syntax (transformed<R>(...)) has been used previously -- boost bind's docs, referring to bind<R> syntax, state: "It is generally used with function objects that do not, or cannot, expose result_type."[1] Without begging for an Emerson quote, I believe consistency with bind in this case will improve the usability enough to justify the required changes. Note also that this is the only current adaptor[2] which takes a function object with arbitrary return type (others must return something which is convertible to bool). Note also that the changes are a pure extension (previous usage continues unchanged).
I'm personally not swayed but it's a fair rationale nonetheless and ultimately your call since I'm not doing it :)