[Distutils] How to disable PYTHONPATH checking when installing packages using distribute

[lukshuntim at gmail.com]

Hi,

During installing a package which uses distribute (matplotlib in this 
case), it refuses to work with this message

"running install
Checking .pth file support in 
/usr/local/stow/matplotlib-1.3.0/lib/python2.7/site-packages/
/usr/bin/python -E -c pass
TEST FAILED: 
/usr/local/stow/matplotlib-1.3.0/lib/python2.7/site-packages/ does NOT 
support .pth files
error: bad install directory or PYTHONPATH
...
Please make the appropriate changes for your system and try again."

I install local packages using the stow approach, which installs each 
package under its own sub-directory and later "stowed" 
(https://www.gnu.org/software/stow/). Such "error" becomes a nuisance as 
a different PYTHONPATH has to be set for each installation of a package.

How can the checking be disable? I don't seem to be able to find 
anything in the documentation and would be grateful for any pointer.

Or maybe it's better turned into a warning and users be reminded to add 
the install directory to PYTHONPATH.

Regards,
ST
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