When installing the "opt" layout from config.layout, the runtimedir is not created. As a result when httpd is started for the first time the PID file cannot be created. This is reported in the error log. If I create the runtimedir by hand and start httpd again, it works. On a vaguely related note, I also have an FHS 2.2 (Filesystem Hierarchy Standard) layout you can add to config.layout. If you send me an email address I'll forward it to you. I'll include a helpful description of what files go where and why, with cross references to the FHS 2.2 standard. The description might provide a useful basis for developer discussion or perhaps inclusion in some Apache documentation. Regards, Jonathan Knispel
The runtimedir creation problem is now fixed in CVS and will be in the next release of Apache. If you wish to pursue adding the FHS layout to config.layout, either post it to the dev@httpd.apache.org mailing list or open a separate PR (enhancement request) to track that issue. Thanks for your report, and thanks for using Apache!