Yes, but the software has to be compiled to the architecture too using that solution. So it is just putting the problem on to others: the users, the software developers, etc. - many of whom will happily just use something else.

> the software has to be compiled to the architecture too using that solution

Right. Which is why Debian has a package management system. Most people never have to compile any of the software they use.

JIT compilation of bytecode is only one option. There are others:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBM_System_i

The Debian ecosystem exists in the context on a more pervasive network than existed for DOS.