diff --git a/runtime/autoload/rubycomplete.vim b/runtime/autoload/rubycomplete.vim
index e1064c8a58..440dfd42e9 100644
--- a/runtime/autoload/rubycomplete.vim
+++ b/runtime/autoload/rubycomplete.vim
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ function! s:GetBufferRubyEntity( name, type, ... )
 
     let stopline = 1
 
-    let crex = '^\s*\<' . a:type . '\>\s*\<' . a:name . '\>\s*\(<\s*.*\s*\)\?'
+    let crex = '^\s*\<' . a:type . '\>\s*\<' . escape(a:name, '*') . '\>\s*\(<\s*.*\s*\)\?'
     let [lnum,lcol] = searchpos( crex, 'w' )
     "let [lnum,lcol] = searchpairpos( crex . '\zs', '', '\(end\|}\)', 'w' )
 
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ function! s:GetRubyVarType(v)
     let ctors = ctors.'\)'
 
     let fstr = '=\s*\([^ \t]\+.' . ctors .'\>\|[\[{"''/]\|%[xwQqr][(\[{@]\|[A-Za-z0-9@:\-()\.]\+...\?\|lambda\|&\)'
-    let sstr = ''.a:v.'\>\s*[+\-*/]*'.fstr
+    let sstr = ''.escape(a:v, '*').'\>\s*[+\-*/]*'.fstr
     let [lnum,lcol] = searchpos(sstr,'nb',stopline)
     if lnum != 0 && lcol != 0
         let str = matchstr(getline(lnum),fstr,lcol)
@@ -266,6 +266,28 @@ class VimRubyCompletion
     end
   end
 
+  def load_gems
+    fpath = VIM::evaluate("get(g:, 'rubycomplete_gemfile_path', 'Gemfile')")
+    return unless File.file?(fpath) && File.readable?(fpath)
+    want_bundler = VIM::evaluate("get(g:, 'rubycomplete_use_bundler')")
+    parse_file = !want_bundler
+    begin
+      require 'bundler'
+      Bundler.setup
+      Bundler.require
+    rescue Exception
+      parse_file = true
+    end
+    if parse_file
+      File.new(fpath).each_line do |line|
+        begin
+          require $1 if /\s*gem\s*['"]([^'"]+)/.match(line)
+        rescue Exception
+        end
+      end
+    end
+  end
+
   def load_buffer_class(name)
     dprint "load_buffer_class(%s) START" % name
     classdef = get_buffer_entity(name, 's:GetBufferRubyClass("%s")')
@@ -588,6 +610,10 @@ class VimRubyCompletion
       load_rails
     end
 
+    want_gems = VIM::evaluate("get(g:, 'rubycomplete_load_gemfile')")
+    load_gems unless want_gems.to_i.zero?
+    
+
     input = VIM::Buffer.current.line
     cpos = VIM::Window.current.cursor[1] - 1
     input = input[0..cpos]
@@ -678,7 +704,9 @@ class VimRubyCompletion
         cv = eval("self.class.constants")
         vartype = get_var_type( receiver )
         dprint "vartype: %s" % vartype
-        if vartype != ''
+
+        invalid_vartype = ['', "gets"]
+        if !invalid_vartype.include?(vartype)
           load_buffer_class( vartype )
 
           begin
@@ -706,7 +734,7 @@ class VimRubyCompletion
             methods.concat m.instance_methods(false)
           }
         end
-        variables += add_rails_columns( "#{vartype}" ) if vartype && vartype.length > 0
+        variables += add_rails_columns( "#{vartype}" ) if vartype && !invalid_vartype.include?(vartype)
 
       when /^\(?\s*[A-Za-z0-9:^@.%\/+*\(\)]+\.\.\.?[A-Za-z0-9:^@.%\/+*\(\)]+\s*\)?\.([^.]*)/
         message = $1
diff --git a/runtime/compiler/cucumber.vim b/runtime/compiler/cucumber.vim
index c020be6e3b..17ce3627c1 100644
--- a/runtime/compiler/cucumber.vim
+++ b/runtime/compiler/cucumber.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim compiler file
 " Compiler:	Cucumber
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2010 Aug 09
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("current_compiler")
   finish
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ CompilerSet makeprg=cucumber
 
 CompilerSet errorformat=
       \%W%m\ (Cucumber::Undefined),
-      \%E%m\ (%.%#),
+      \%E%m\ (%\\S%#),
       \%Z%f:%l,
       \%Z%f:%l:%.%#
 
diff --git a/runtime/compiler/haml.vim b/runtime/compiler/haml.vim
index b06a672df7..9464c3dc85 100644
--- a/runtime/compiler/haml.vim
+++ b/runtime/compiler/haml.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim compiler file
 " Compiler:	Haml
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("current_compiler")
   finish
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ endif
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo-=C
 
-CompilerSet makeprg=haml\ -c
+CompilerSet makeprg=haml
 
 CompilerSet errorformat=
       \Haml\ %trror\ on\ line\ %l:\ %m,
diff --git a/runtime/compiler/rake.vim b/runtime/compiler/rake.vim
index 3bd9da0daf..8490f2a9e9 100644
--- a/runtime/compiler/rake.vim
+++ b/runtime/compiler/rake.vim
@@ -27,7 +27,11 @@ CompilerSet errorformat=
       \%\\s%#[%f:%l:\ %#%m,
       \%\\s%#%f:%l:\ %#%m,
       \%\\s%#%f:%l:,
-      \%m\ [%f:%l]:
+      \%m\ [%f:%l]:,
+      \%+Erake\ aborted!,
+      \%+EDon't\ know\ how\ to\ build\ task\ %.%#,
+      \%+Einvalid\ option:%.%#,
+      \%+Irake\ %\\S%\\+%\\s%\\+#\ %.%#
 
 let &cpo = s:cpo_save
 unlet s:cpo_save
diff --git a/runtime/compiler/rspec.vim b/runtime/compiler/rspec.vim
index 7c340bab15..c77bd70da7 100644
--- a/runtime/compiler/rspec.vim
+++ b/runtime/compiler/rspec.vim
@@ -22,9 +22,10 @@ CompilerSet errorformat=
     \%f:%l:\ %tarning:\ %m,
     \%E%.%#:in\ `load':\ %f:%l:%m,
     \%E%f:%l:in\ `%*[^']':\ %m,
-    \%-Z\ \ \ \ \ \#\ %f:%l:%.%#,
+    \%-Z\ \ \ \ \ %\\+\#\ %f:%l:%.%#,
     \%E\ \ %\\d%\\+)%.%#,
     \%C\ \ \ \ \ %m,
+    \%C%\\s%#,
     \%-G%.%#
 
 let &cpo = s:cpo_save
diff --git a/runtime/compiler/rubyunit.vim b/runtime/compiler/rubyunit.vim
index 93a0c8e653..ed0639b581 100644
--- a/runtime/compiler/rubyunit.vim
+++ b/runtime/compiler/rubyunit.vim
@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@ let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo-=C
 
 CompilerSet makeprg=testrb
+" CompilerSet makeprg=ruby\ -Itest
+" CompilerSet makeprg=m
 
 CompilerSet errorformat=\%W\ %\\+%\\d%\\+)\ Failure:,
 			\%C%m\ [%f:%l]:,
diff --git a/runtime/compiler/sass.vim b/runtime/compiler/sass.vim
index 376a52b303..9c540ac443 100644
--- a/runtime/compiler/sass.vim
+++ b/runtime/compiler/sass.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim compiler file
 " Compiler:	Sass
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("current_compiler")
   finish
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ endif
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo-=C
 
-CompilerSet makeprg=sass\ -c
+CompilerSet makeprg=sass
 
 CompilerSet errorformat=
       \%f:%l:%m\ (Sass::Syntax%trror),
diff --git a/runtime/doc/eval.txt b/runtime/doc/eval.txt
index 90575e3438..b40f91ff35 100644
--- a/runtime/doc/eval.txt
+++ b/runtime/doc/eval.txt
@@ -631,13 +631,17 @@ It's possible to form a variable name with curly braces, see
 
 Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
 
-|expr1| expr2 ? expr1 : expr1	if-then-else
+|expr1|	expr2
+	expr2 ? expr1 : expr1	if-then-else
 
-|expr2|	expr3 || expr3 ..	logical OR
+|expr2|	expr3
+	expr3 || expr3 ..	logical OR
 
-|expr3|	expr4 && expr4 ..	logical AND
+|expr3|	expr4
+	expr4 && expr4 ..	logical AND
 
-|expr4|	expr5 == expr5		equal
+|expr4|	expr5
+	expr5 == expr5		equal
 	expr5 != expr5		not equal
 	expr5 >	 expr5		greater than
 	expr5 >= expr5		greater than or equal
@@ -654,24 +658,28 @@ Expression syntax summary, from least to most significant:
 	expr5 is expr5		same |List| instance
 	expr5 isnot expr5	different |List| instance
 
-|expr5|	expr6 +	 expr6 ..	number addition or list concatenation
+|expr5|	expr6
+	expr6 +	 expr6 ..	number addition or list concatenation
 	expr6 -	 expr6 ..	number subtraction
 	expr6 .	 expr6 ..	string concatenation
 
-|expr6|	expr7 *	 expr7 ..	number multiplication
+|expr6|	expr7
+	expr7 *	 expr7 ..	number multiplication
 	expr7 /	 expr7 ..	number division
 	expr7 %	 expr7 ..	number modulo
 
-|expr7|	! expr7			logical NOT
+|expr7|	expr8
+	! expr7			logical NOT
 	- expr7			unary minus
 	+ expr7			unary plus
 
-|expr8|	expr8[expr1]		byte of a String or item of a |List|
+|expr8|	expr9
+	expr8[expr1]		byte of a String or item of a |List|
 	expr8[expr1 : expr1]	substring of a String or sublist of a |List|
 	expr8.name		entry in a |Dictionary|
 	expr8(expr1, ...)	function call with |Funcref| variable
 
-|expr9| number			number constant
+|expr9|	number			number constant
 	"string"		string constant, backslash is special
 	'string'		string constant, ' is doubled
 	[expr1, ...]		|List|
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/cucumber.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/cucumber.vim
index 2ec1a5976f..f4848d1c60 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/cucumber.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/cucumber.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim filetype plugin
 " Language:	Cucumber
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 Jun 01
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 " Only do this when not done yet for this buffer
 if (exists("b:did_ftplugin"))
@@ -19,27 +19,23 @@ setlocal omnifunc=CucumberComplete
 let b:undo_ftplugin = "setl fo< com< cms< ofu<"
 
 let b:cucumber_root = expand('%:p:h:s?.*[\/]\%(features\|stories\)\zs[\/].*??')
+if !exists("b:cucumber_steps_glob")
+  let b:cucumber_steps_glob = b:cucumber_root.'/**/*.rb'
+endif
 
 if !exists("g:no_plugin_maps") && !exists("g:no_cucumber_maps")
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> <C-]>       :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('edit',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> [<C-D>      :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('edit',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> ]<C-D>      :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('edit',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> <C-W>]      :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('split',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> <C-W><C-]>  :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('split',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> <C-W>d      :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('split',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> <C-W><C-D>  :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('split',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> <C-W>}      :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('pedit',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> [d          :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('pedit',v:count)<CR>
-  nnoremap <silent><buffer> ]d          :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('pedit',v:count)<CR>
+  cnoremap <SID>foldopen <Bar>if &foldopen =~# 'tag'<Bar>exe 'norm! zv'<Bar>endif
+  nnoremap <silent> <script> <buffer> [<C-D>      :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('edit',v:count)<SID>foldopen<CR>
+  nnoremap <silent> <script> <buffer> ]<C-D>      :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('edit',v:count)<SID>foldopen<CR>
+  nnoremap <silent> <script> <buffer> <C-W>d      :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('split',v:count)<SID>foldopen<CR>
+  nnoremap <silent> <script> <buffer> <C-W><C-D>  :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('split',v:count)<SID>foldopen<CR>
+  nnoremap <silent> <script> <buffer> [d          :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('pedit',v:count)<CR>
+  nnoremap <silent> <script> <buffer> ]d          :<C-U>exe <SID>jump('pedit',v:count)<CR>
   let b:undo_ftplugin .=
-        \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> <C-]>" .
         \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> [<C-D>" .
         \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> ]<C-D>" .
-        \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> <C-W>]" .
-        \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> <C-W><C-]>" .
         \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> <C-W>d" .
         \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> <C-W><C-D>" .
-        \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> <C-W>}" .
         \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> [d" .
         \ "|sil! nunmap <buffer> ]d"
 endif
@@ -59,7 +55,7 @@ endfunction
 function! s:allsteps()
   let step_pattern = '\C^\s*\K\k*\>\s*(\=\s*\zs\S.\{-\}\ze\s*)\=\s*\%(do\|{\)\s*\%(|[^|]*|\s*\)\=\%($\|#\)'
   let steps = []
-  for file in split(glob(b:cucumber_root.'/**/*.rb'),"\n")
+  for file in split(glob(b:cucumber_steps_glob),"\n")
     let lines = readfile(file)
     let num = 0
     for line in lines
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/eruby.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/eruby.vim
index 9bb8e86ff3..32f3fb868f 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/eruby.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/eruby.vim
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ elseif !exists("b:eruby_subtype")
   let s:lines = getline(1)."\n".getline(2)."\n".getline(3)."\n".getline(4)."\n".getline(5)."\n".getline("$")
   let b:eruby_subtype = matchstr(s:lines,'eruby_subtype=\zs\w\+')
   if b:eruby_subtype == ''
-    let b:eruby_subtype = matchstr(substitute(expand("%:t"),'\c\%(\.erb\|\.eruby\|\.erubis\)\+$','',''),'\.\zs\w\+$')
+    let b:eruby_subtype = matchstr(substitute(expand("%:t"),'\c\%(\.erb\|\.eruby\|\.erubis\)\+$','',''),'\.\zs\w\+\%(\ze+\w\+\)\=$')
   endif
   if b:eruby_subtype == 'rhtml'
     let b:eruby_subtype = 'html'
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/git.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/git.vim
index 5fe5b2b0c3..b3d5cff804 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/git.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/git.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim filetype plugin
 " Language:	generic git output
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 " Only do this when not done yet for this buffer
 if (exists("b:did_ftplugin"))
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@ let b:did_ftplugin = 1
 if !exists('b:git_dir')
   if expand('%:p') =~# '[\/]\.git[\/]modules[\/]'
     " Stay out of the way
+  elseif expand('%:p') =~# '[\/]\.git[\/]worktrees'
+    let b:git_dir = matchstr(expand('%:p'),'.*\.git[\/]worktrees[\/][^\/]\+\>')
   elseif expand('%:p') =~# '\.git\>'
     let b:git_dir = matchstr(expand('%:p'),'.*\.git\>')
   elseif $GIT_DIR != ''
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/gitcommit.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/gitcommit.vim
index e8619004bf..6767ff719e 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/gitcommit.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/gitcommit.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim filetype plugin
 " Language:	git commit file
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 " Only do this when not done yet for this buffer
 if (exists("b:did_ftplugin"))
@@ -11,15 +11,10 @@ endif
 runtime! ftplugin/git.vim
 let b:did_ftplugin = 1
 
-setlocal nomodeline tabstop=8 formatoptions-=croq formatoptions+=tl
-
-let b:undo_ftplugin = 'setl modeline< tabstop< formatoptions<'
-
-if &textwidth == 0
-  " make sure that log messages play nice with git-log on standard terminals
-  setlocal textwidth=72
-  let b:undo_ftplugin .= "|setl tw<"
-endif
+setlocal comments=:# commentstring=#\ %s
+setlocal nomodeline tabstop=8 formatoptions+=tl textwidth=72
+setlocal formatoptions-=c formatoptions-=r formatoptions-=o formatoptions-=q
+let b:undo_ftplugin = 'setl modeline< tabstop< formatoptions< tw< com< cms<'
 
 if exists("g:no_gitcommit_commands") || v:version < 700
   finish
@@ -31,6 +26,8 @@ endif
 
 command! -bang -bar -buffer -complete=custom,s:diffcomplete -nargs=* DiffGitCached :call s:gitdiffcached(<bang>0,b:git_dir,<f-args>)
 
+let b:undo_ftplugin = b:undo_ftplugin . "|delc DiffGitCached"
+
 function! s:diffcomplete(A,L,P)
   let args = ""
   if a:P <= match(a:L." -- "," -- ")+3
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/gitrebase.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/gitrebase.vim
index 0200ba1acc..6f73b5c499 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/gitrebase.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/gitrebase.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim filetype plugin
 " Language:	git rebase --interactive
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2010 May 21
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 " Only do this when not done yet for this buffer
 if (exists("b:did_ftplugin"))
@@ -12,10 +12,11 @@ runtime! ftplugin/git.vim
 let b:did_ftplugin = 1
 
 setlocal comments=:# commentstring=#\ %s formatoptions-=t
+setlocal nomodeline
 if !exists("b:undo_ftplugin")
   let b:undo_ftplugin = ""
 endif
-let b:undo_ftplugin = b:undo_ftplugin."|setl com< cms< fo<"
+let b:undo_ftplugin = b:undo_ftplugin."|setl com< cms< fo< ml<"
 
 function! s:choose(word)
   s/^\(\w\+\>\)\=\(\s*\)\ze\x\{4,40\}\>/\=(strlen(submatch(1)) == 1 ? a:word[0] : a:word) . substitute(submatch(2),'^$',' ','')/e
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/haml.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/haml.vim
index 654f1fca90..e74530b556 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/haml.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/haml.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim filetype plugin
 " Language:	Haml
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 Jun 01
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 " Only do this when not done yet for this buffer
 if exists("b:did_ftplugin")
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/markdown.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/markdown.vim
index 5d6ebecd8c..277ba94e8b 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/markdown.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/markdown.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim filetype plugin
 " Language:		Markdown
 " Maintainer:		Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:		2013 May 30
+" Last Change:		2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:did_ftplugin")
   finish
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ runtime! ftplugin/html.vim ftplugin/html_*.vim ftplugin/html/*.vim
 
 setlocal comments=fb:*,fb:-,fb:+,n:> commentstring=>\ %s
 setlocal formatoptions+=tcqln formatoptions-=r formatoptions-=o
-setlocal formatlistpat=^\\s*\\d\\+\\.\\s\\+\\\|^[-*+]\\s\\+
+setlocal formatlistpat=^\\s*\\d\\+\\.\\s\\+\\\|^[-*+]\\s\\+\\\|^\\[^\\ze[^\\]]\\+\\]:
 
 if exists('b:undo_ftplugin')
   let b:undo_ftplugin .= "|setl cms< com< fo< flp<"
@@ -19,4 +19,32 @@ else
   let b:undo_ftplugin = "setl cms< com< fo< flp<"
 endif
 
+function! MarkdownFold()
+  let line = getline(v:lnum)
+
+  " Regular headers
+  let depth = match(line, '\(^#\+\)\@<=\( .*$\)\@=')
+  if depth > 0
+    return ">" . depth
+  endif
+
+  " Setext style headings
+  let nextline = getline(v:lnum + 1)
+  if (line =~ '^.\+$') && (nextline =~ '^=\+$')
+    return ">1"
+  endif
+
+  if (line =~ '^.\+$') && (nextline =~ '^-\+$')
+    return ">2"
+  endif
+
+  return "="
+endfunction
+
+if has("folding") && exists("g:markdown_folding")
+  setlocal foldexpr=MarkdownFold()
+  setlocal foldmethod=expr
+  let b:undo_ftplugin .= " foldexpr< foldmethod<"
+endif
+
 " vim:set sw=2:
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/ruby.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/ruby.vim
index 9630a940ab..84fb9930a4 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/ruby.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/ruby.vim
@@ -28,12 +28,13 @@ if exists("loaded_matchit") && !exists("b:match_words")
 	\ ':' .
 	\ '\<\%(else\|elsif\|ensure\|when\|rescue\|break\|redo\|next\|retry\)\>' .
 	\ ':' .
-	\ '\<end\>' .
+        \ '\%(^\|[^.\:@$]\)\@<=\<end\:\@!\>' .
 	\ ',{:},\[:\],(:)'
 
   let b:match_skip =
 	\ "synIDattr(synID(line('.'),col('.'),0),'name') =~ '" .
 	\ "\\<ruby\\%(String\\|StringDelimiter\\|ASCIICode\\|Escape\\|" .
+        \ "Regexp\\|RegexpDelimiter\\|" .
 	\ "Interpolation\\|NoInterpolation\\|Comment\\|Documentation\\|" .
 	\ "ConditionalModifier\\|RepeatModifier\\|OptionalDo\\|" .
 	\ "Function\\|BlockArgument\\|KeywordAsMethod\\|ClassVariable\\|" .
@@ -43,7 +44,7 @@ endif
 setlocal formatoptions-=t formatoptions+=croql
 
 setlocal include=^\\s*\\<\\(load\\>\\\|require\\>\\\|autoload\\s*:\\=[\"']\\=\\h\\w*[\"']\\=,\\)
-setlocal includeexpr=substitute(substitute(v:fname,'::','/','g'),'$','.rb','')
+setlocal includeexpr=substitute(substitute(v:fname,'::','/','g'),'\%(\.rb\)\=$','.rb','')
 setlocal suffixesadd=.rb
 
 if exists("&ofu") && has("ruby")
@@ -66,32 +67,32 @@ if !exists('g:ruby_version_paths')
   let g:ruby_version_paths = {}
 endif
 
-function! s:query_path(root)
+function! s:query_path(root) abort
   let code = "print $:.join %q{,}"
-  if &shell =~# 'sh' && $PATH !~# '\s'
-    let prefix = 'env PATH='.$PATH.' '
+  if &shell =~# 'sh'
+    let prefix = 'env PATH='.shellescape($PATH).' '
   else
     let prefix = ''
   endif
   if &shellxquote == "'"
-    let path_check = prefix.'ruby -e "' . code . '"'
+    let path_check = prefix.'ruby --disable-gems -e "' . code . '"'
   else
-    let path_check = prefix."ruby -e '" . code . "'"
+    let path_check = prefix."ruby --disable-gems -e '" . code . "'"
   endif
 
   let cd = haslocaldir() ? 'lcd' : 'cd'
-  let cwd = getcwd()
+  let cwd = fnameescape(getcwd())
   try
     exe cd fnameescape(a:root)
     let path = split(system(path_check),',')
-    exe cd fnameescape(cwd)
+    exe cd cwd
     return path
   finally
-    exe cd fnameescape(cwd)
+    exe cd cwd
   endtry
 endfunction
 
-function! s:build_path(path)
+function! s:build_path(path) abort
   let path = join(map(copy(a:path), 'v:val ==# "." ? "" : v:val'), ',')
   if &g:path !~# '\v^\.%(,/%(usr|emx)/include)=,,$'
     let path = substitute(&g:path,',,$',',','') . ',' . path
@@ -101,7 +102,7 @@ endfunction
 
 if !exists('b:ruby_version') && !exists('g:ruby_path') && isdirectory(expand('%:p:h'))
   let s:version_file = findfile('.ruby-version', '.;')
-  if !empty(s:version_file)
+  if !empty(s:version_file) && filereadable(s:version_file)
     let b:ruby_version = get(readfile(s:version_file, '', 1), '')
     if !has_key(g:ruby_version_paths, b:ruby_version)
       let g:ruby_version_paths[b:ruby_version] = s:query_path(fnamemodify(s:version_file, ':p:h'))
@@ -135,7 +136,7 @@ if exists('s:ruby_paths') && stridx(&l:tags, join(map(copy(s:ruby_paths),'v:val.
   let &l:tags = &tags . ',' . join(map(copy(s:ruby_paths),'v:val."/tags"'),',')
 endif
 
-if has("gui_win32") && !exists("b:browsefilter")
+if (has("gui_win32") || has("gui_gtk")) && !exists("b:browsefilter")
   let b:browsefilter = "Ruby Source Files (*.rb)\t*.rb\n" .
                      \ "All Files (*.*)\t*.*\n"
 endif
@@ -145,7 +146,22 @@ let b:undo_ftplugin = "setl fo< inc< inex< sua< def< com< cms< path< tags< kp<"
       \."| if exists('&ofu') && has('ruby') | setl ofu< | endif"
       \."| if has('balloon_eval') && exists('+bexpr') | setl bexpr< | endif"
 
+function! s:map(mode, flags, map) abort
+  let from = matchstr(a:map, '\S\+')
+  if empty(mapcheck(from, a:mode))
+    exe a:mode.'map' '<buffer>'.(a:0 ? a:1 : '') a:map
+    let b:undo_ftplugin .= '|sil! '.a:mode.'unmap <buffer> '.from
+  endif
+endfunction
+
+cmap <buffer><script><expr> <Plug><cword> substitute(RubyCursorIdentifier(),'^$',"\022\027",'')
+cmap <buffer><script><expr> <Plug><cfile> substitute(RubyCursorFile(),'^$',"\022\006",'')
+let b:undo_ftplugin .= "| sil! cunmap <buffer> <Plug><cword>| sil! cunmap <buffer> <Plug><cfile>"
+
 if !exists("g:no_plugin_maps") && !exists("g:no_ruby_maps")
+  nmap <buffer><script> <SID>:  :<C-U>
+  nmap <buffer><script> <SID>c: :<C-U><C-R>=v:count ? v:count : ''<CR>
+
   nnoremap <silent> <buffer> [m :<C-U>call <SID>searchsyn('\<def\>','rubyDefine','b','n')<CR>
   nnoremap <silent> <buffer> ]m :<C-U>call <SID>searchsyn('\<def\>','rubyDefine','','n')<CR>
   nnoremap <silent> <buffer> [M :<C-U>call <SID>searchsyn('\<end\>','rubyDefine','b','n')<CR>
@@ -168,7 +184,7 @@ if !exists("g:no_plugin_maps") && !exists("g:no_ruby_maps")
         \."| sil! exe 'unmap <buffer> [[' | sil! exe 'unmap <buffer> ]]' | sil! exe 'unmap <buffer> []' | sil! exe 'unmap <buffer> ]['"
         \."| sil! exe 'unmap <buffer> [m' | sil! exe 'unmap <buffer> ]m' | sil! exe 'unmap <buffer> [M' | sil! exe 'unmap <buffer> ]M'"
 
-  if maparg('im','n') == ''
+  if maparg('im','x') == '' && maparg('im','o') == '' && maparg('am','x') == '' && maparg('am','o') == ''
     onoremap <silent> <buffer> im :<C-U>call <SID>wrap_i('[m',']M')<CR>
     onoremap <silent> <buffer> am :<C-U>call <SID>wrap_a('[m',']M')<CR>
     xnoremap <silent> <buffer> im :<C-U>call <SID>wrap_i('[m',']M')<CR>
@@ -178,7 +194,7 @@ if !exists("g:no_plugin_maps") && !exists("g:no_ruby_maps")
           \."| sil! exe 'xunmap <buffer> im' | sil! exe 'xunmap <buffer> am'"
   endif
 
-  if maparg('iM','n') == ''
+  if maparg('iM','x') == '' && maparg('iM','o') == '' && maparg('aM','x') == '' && maparg('aM','o') == ''
     onoremap <silent> <buffer> iM :<C-U>call <SID>wrap_i('[[','][')<CR>
     onoremap <silent> <buffer> aM :<C-U>call <SID>wrap_a('[[','][')<CR>
     xnoremap <silent> <buffer> iM :<C-U>call <SID>wrap_i('[[','][')<CR>
@@ -188,33 +204,24 @@ if !exists("g:no_plugin_maps") && !exists("g:no_ruby_maps")
           \."| sil! exe 'xunmap <buffer> iM' | sil! exe 'xunmap <buffer> aM'"
   endif
 
-  if maparg("\<C-]>",'n') == ''
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-]>       :<C-U>exe  v:count1."tag <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> g<C-]>      :<C-U>exe         "tjump <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> g]          :<C-U>exe       "tselect <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W>]      :<C-U>exe v:count1."stag <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W><C-]>  :<C-U>exe v:count1."stag <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W>g<C-]> :<C-U>exe        "stjump <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W>g]     :<C-U>exe      "stselect <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W>}      :<C-U>exe          "ptag <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W>g}     :<C-U>exe        "ptjump <C-R>=RubyCursorIdentifier()<CR>"<CR>
-    let b:undo_ftplugin = b:undo_ftplugin
-          \."| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-]>'| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> g<C-]>'| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> g]'"
-          \."| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W>]'| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W><C-]>'"
-          \."| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W>g<C-]>'| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W>g]'"
-          \."| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W>}'| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W>g}'"
-  endif
+  call s:map('c', '', '<C-R><C-W> <Plug><cword>')
+  call s:map('c', '', '<C-R><C-F> <Plug><cfile>')
 
-  if maparg("gf",'n') == ''
-    " By using findfile() rather than gf's normal behavior, we prevent
-    " erroneously editing a directory.
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> gf         :<C-U>exe <SID>gf(v:count1,"gf",'edit')<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W>f     :<C-U>exe <SID>gf(v:count1,"\<Lt>C-W>f",'split')<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W><C-F> :<C-U>exe <SID>gf(v:count1,"\<Lt>C-W>\<Lt>C-F>",'split')<CR>
-    nnoremap <silent> <buffer> <C-W>gf    :<C-U>exe <SID>gf(v:count1,"\<Lt>C-W>gf",'tabedit')<CR>
-    let b:undo_ftplugin = b:undo_ftplugin
-          \."| sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> gf' | sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W>f' | sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W><C-F>' | sil! exe 'nunmap <buffer> <C-W>gf'"
-  endif
+  cmap <buffer><script><expr> <SID>tagzv &foldopen =~# 'tag' ? '<Bar>norm! zv' : ''
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-]>       <SID>:exe  v:count1."tag <Plug><cword>"<SID>tagzv<CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', 'g<C-]>      <SID>:exe         "tjump <Plug><cword>"<SID>tagzv<CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', 'g]          <SID>:exe       "tselect <Plug><cword>"<SID>tagzv<CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W>]      <SID>:exe v:count1."stag <Plug><cword>"<SID>tagzv<CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W><C-]>  <SID>:exe v:count1."stag <Plug><cword>"<SID>tagzv<CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W>g<C-]> <SID>:exe        "stjump <Plug><cword>"<SID>tagzv<CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W>g]     <SID>:exe      "stselect <Plug><cword>"<SID>tagzv<CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W>}      <SID>:exe v:count1."ptag <Plug><cword>"<CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W>g}     <SID>:exe        "ptjump <Plug><cword>"<CR>')
+
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', 'gf           <SID>c:find <Plug><cfile><CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W>f      <SID>c:sfind <Plug><cfile><CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W><C-F>  <SID>c:sfind <Plug><cfile><CR>')
+  call s:map('n', '<silent>', '<C-W>gf   <SID>c:tabfind <Plug><cfile><CR>')
 endif
 
 let &cpo = s:cpo_save
@@ -225,7 +232,7 @@ if exists("g:did_ruby_ftplugin_functions")
 endif
 let g:did_ruby_ftplugin_functions = 1
 
-function! RubyBalloonexpr()
+function! RubyBalloonexpr() abort
   if !exists('s:ri_found')
     let s:ri_found = executable('ri')
   endif
@@ -274,13 +281,13 @@ function! RubyBalloonexpr()
   endif
 endfunction
 
-function! s:searchsyn(pattern,syn,flags,mode)
+function! s:searchsyn(pattern, syn, flags, mode) abort
+  let cnt = v:count1
   norm! m'
   if a:mode ==# 'v'
     norm! gv
   endif
   let i = 0
-  let cnt = v:count ? v:count : 1
   while i < cnt
     let i = i + 1
     let line = line('.')
@@ -296,11 +303,11 @@ function! s:searchsyn(pattern,syn,flags,mode)
   endwhile
 endfunction
 
-function! s:synname()
+function! s:synname() abort
   return synIDattr(synID(line('.'),col('.'),0),'name')
 endfunction
 
-function! s:wrap_i(back,forward)
+function! s:wrap_i(back,forward) abort
   execute 'norm k'.a:forward
   let line = line('.')
   execute 'norm '.a:back
@@ -310,7 +317,7 @@ function! s:wrap_i(back,forward)
   execute 'norm jV'.a:forward.'k'
 endfunction
 
-function! s:wrap_a(back,forward)
+function! s:wrap_a(back,forward) abort
   execute 'norm '.a:forward
   if line('.') < line('$') && getline(line('.')+1) ==# ''
     let after = 1
@@ -328,37 +335,55 @@ function! s:wrap_a(back,forward)
   endif
 endfunction
 
-function! RubyCursorIdentifier()
+function! RubyCursorIdentifier() abort
   let asciicode    = '\%(\w\|[]})\"'."'".']\)\@<!\%(?\%(\\M-\\C-\|\\C-\\M-\|\\M-\\c\|\\c\\M-\|\\c\|\\C-\|\\M-\)\=\%(\\\o\{1,3}\|\\x\x\{1,2}\|\\\=\S\)\)'
   let number       = '\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"'."'".']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\%(\<[[:digit:]_]\+\%(\.[[:digit:]_]\+\)\=\%([Ee][[:digit:]_]\+\)\=\>\|\<0[xXbBoOdD][[:xdigit:]_]\+\>\)\|'.asciicode
   let operator     = '\%(\[\]\|<<\|<=>\|[!<>]=\=\|===\=\|[!=]\~\|>>\|\*\*\|\.\.\.\=\|=>\|[~^&|*/%+-]\)'
-  let method       = '\%(\<[_a-zA-Z]\w*\>\%([?!]\|\s*=>\@!\)\=\)'
+  let method       = '\%(\.[_a-zA-Z]\w*\s*=>\@!\|\<[_a-zA-Z]\w*\>[?!]\=\)'
   let global       = '$\%([!$&"'."'".'*+,./:;<=>?@\`~]\|-\=\w\+\>\)'
   let symbolizable = '\%(\%(@@\=\)\w\+\>\|'.global.'\|'.method.'\|'.operator.'\)'
   let pattern      = '\C\s*\%('.number.'\|\%(:\@<!:\)\='.symbolizable.'\)'
   let [lnum, col]  = searchpos(pattern,'bcn',line('.'))
   let raw          = matchstr(getline('.')[col-1 : ],pattern)
-  let stripped     = substitute(substitute(raw,'\s\+=$','=',''),'^\s*:\=','','')
+  let stripped     = substitute(substitute(raw,'\s\+=$','=',''),'^\s*[:.]\=','','')
   return stripped == '' ? expand("<cword>") : stripped
 endfunction
 
-function! s:gf(count,map,edit) abort
-  if getline('.') =~# '^\s*require_relative\s*\(["'']\).*\1\s*$'
-    let target = matchstr(getline('.'),'\(["'']\)\zs.\{-\}\ze\1')
-    return a:edit.' %:h/'.target.'.rb'
-  elseif getline('.') =~# '^\s*\%(require[( ]\|load[( ]\|autoload[( ]:\w\+,\)\s*\s*\%(::\)\=File\.expand_path(\(["'']\)\.\./.*\1,\s*__FILE__)\s*$'
-    let target = matchstr(getline('.'),'\(["'']\)\.\./\zs.\{-\}\ze\1')
-    return a:edit.' %:h/'.target.'.rb'
+function! RubyCursorFile() abort
+  let isfname = &isfname
+  try
+    set isfname+=:
+    let cfile = expand('<cfile>')
+  finally
+    let isfname = &isfname
+  endtry
+  let pre = matchstr(strpart(getline('.'), 0, col('.')-1), '.*\f\@<!')
+  let post = matchstr(strpart(getline('.'), col('.')), '\f\@!.*')
+  let ext = getline('.') =~# '^\s*\%(require\%(_relative\)\=\|autoload\)\>' && cfile !~# '\.rb$' ? '.rb' : ''
+  if s:synname() ==# 'rubyConstant'
+    let cfile = substitute(cfile,'\.\w\+[?!=]\=$','','')
+    let cfile = substitute(cfile,'::','/','g')
+    let cfile = substitute(cfile,'\(\u\+\)\(\u\l\)','\1_\2', 'g')
+    let cfile = substitute(cfile,'\(\l\|\d\)\(\u\)','\1_\2', 'g')
+    return tolower(cfile) . '.rb'
+  elseif getline('.') =~# '^\s*require_relative\s*\(["'']\).*\1\s*$'
+    let cfile = expand('%:p:h') . '/' . matchstr(getline('.'),'\(["'']\)\zs.\{-\}\ze\1') . ext
+  elseif getline('.') =~# '^\s*\%(require[( ]\|load[( ]\|autoload[( ]:\w\+,\)\s*\%(::\)\=File\.expand_path(\(["'']\)\.\./.*\1,\s*__FILE__)\s*$'
+    let target = matchstr(getline('.'),'\(["'']\)\.\.\zs/.\{-\}\ze\1')
+    let cfile = expand('%:p:h') . target . ext
   elseif getline('.') =~# '^\s*\%(require \|load \|autoload :\w\+,\)\s*\(["'']\).*\1\s*$'
-    let target = matchstr(getline('.'),'\(["'']\)\zs.\{-\}\ze\1')
+    let cfile = matchstr(getline('.'),'\(["'']\)\zs.\{-\}\ze\1') . ext
+  elseif pre.post =~# '\<File.expand_path[( ].*[''"]\{2\}, *__FILE__\>' && cfile =~# '^\.\.'
+    let cfile = expand('%:p:h') . strpart(cfile, 2)
   else
-    let target = expand('<cfile>')
+    return substitute(cfile, '\C\v^(.*):(\d+)%(:in)=$', '+\2 \1', '')
   endif
-  let found = findfile(target, &path, a:count)
-  if found ==# ''
-    return 'norm! '.a:count.a:map
+  let cwdpat = '^\M' . substitute(getcwd(), '[\/]', '\\[\\/]', 'g').'\ze\[\/]'
+  let cfile = substitute(cfile, cwdpat, '.', '')
+  if fnameescape(cfile) !=# cfile
+    return '+ '.fnameescape(cfile)
   else
-    return a:edit.' '.fnameescape(found)
+    return cfile
   endif
 endfunction
 
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/sass.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/sass.vim
index 64232a0894..d6909e7ad5 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/sass.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/sass.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim filetype plugin
 " Language:	Sass
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2010 Jul 26
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 " Only do this when not done yet for this buffer
 if exists("b:did_ftplugin")
@@ -9,8 +9,9 @@ if exists("b:did_ftplugin")
 endif
 let b:did_ftplugin = 1
 
-let b:undo_ftplugin = "setl cms< def< inc< inex< ofu< sua<"
+let b:undo_ftplugin = "setl com< cms< def< inc< inex< ofu< sua<"
 
+setlocal comments=://
 setlocal commentstring=//\ %s
 setlocal define=^\\s*\\%(@mixin\\\|=\\)
 setlocal includeexpr=substitute(v:fname,'\\%(.*/\\\|^\\)\\zs','_','')
diff --git a/runtime/ftplugin/scss.vim b/runtime/ftplugin/scss.vim
index 981fb1b881..287d298f4a 100644
--- a/runtime/ftplugin/scss.vim
+++ b/runtime/ftplugin/scss.vim
@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 " Vim filetype plugin
 " Language:	SCSS
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2010 Jul 26
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:did_ftplugin")
   finish
 endif
 
 runtime! ftplugin/sass.vim
+setlocal comments=s1:/*,mb:*,ex:*/,://
 
 " vim:set sw=2:
diff --git a/runtime/indent/cucumber.vim b/runtime/indent/cucumber.vim
index 965c7786ed..999b8d6a76 100644
--- a/runtime/indent/cucumber.vim
+++ b/runtime/indent/cucumber.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim indent file
 " Language:	Cucumber
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:did_indent")
   finish
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@ function! GetCucumberIndent()
   let line  = getline(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1))
   let cline = getline(v:lnum)
   let nline = getline(nextnonblank(v:lnum+1))
+  let sw = exists('*shiftwidth') ? shiftwidth() : &sw
   let syn = s:syn(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1))
   let csyn = s:syn(v:lnum)
   let nsyn = s:syn(nextnonblank(v:lnum+1))
@@ -35,38 +36,38 @@ function! GetCucumberIndent()
     return 0
   elseif csyn ==# 'cucumberExamples' || cline =~# '^\s*\%(Examples\|Scenarios\):'
     " examples heading
-    return 2 * &sw
+    return 2 * sw
   elseif csyn =~# '^cucumber\%(Background\|Scenario\|ScenarioOutline\)$' || cline =~# '^\s*\%(Background\|Scenario\|Scenario Outline\):'
     " background, scenario or outline heading
-    return &sw
+    return sw
   elseif syn ==# 'cucumberFeature' || line =~# '^\s*Feature:'
     " line after feature heading
-    return &sw
+    return sw
   elseif syn ==# 'cucumberExamples' || line =~# '^\s*\%(Examples\|Scenarios\):'
     " line after examples heading
-    return 3 * &sw
+    return 3 * sw
   elseif syn =~# '^cucumber\%(Background\|Scenario\|ScenarioOutline\)$' || line =~# '^\s*\%(Background\|Scenario\|Scenario Outline\):'
     " line after background, scenario or outline heading
-    return 2 * &sw
+    return 2 * sw
   elseif cline =~# '^\s*[@#]' && (nsyn == 'cucumberFeature' || nline =~# '^\s*Feature:' || indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1)) <= 0)
     " tag or comment before a feature heading
     return 0
   elseif cline =~# '^\s*@'
     " other tags
-    return &sw
+    return sw
   elseif cline =~# '^\s*[#|]' && line =~# '^\s*|'
     " mid-table
     " preserve indent
     return indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1))
   elseif cline =~# '^\s*|' && line =~# '^\s*[^|]'
     " first line of a table, relative indent
-    return indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1)) + &sw
+    return indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1)) + sw
   elseif cline =~# '^\s*[^|]' && line =~# '^\s*|'
     " line after a table, relative unindent
-    return indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1)) - &sw
+    return indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1)) - sw
   elseif cline =~# '^\s*#' && getline(v:lnum-1) =~ '^\s*$' && (nsyn =~# '^cucumber\%(Background\|Scenario\|ScenarioOutline\)$' || nline =~# '^\s*\%(Background\|Scenario\|Scenario Outline\):')
     " comments on scenarios
-    return &sw
+    return sw
   endif
   return indent(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1))
 endfunction
diff --git a/runtime/indent/eruby.vim b/runtime/indent/eruby.vim
index 80cab7000e..afabd4fe5b 100644
--- a/runtime/indent/eruby.vim
+++ b/runtime/indent/eruby.vim
@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@ else
 endif
 unlet! b:did_indent
 
+" Force HTML indent to not keep state.
+let b:html_indent_usestate = 0
+
 if &l:indentexpr == ''
   if &l:cindent
     let &l:indentexpr = 'cindent(v:lnum)'
@@ -38,7 +41,18 @@ if exists("*GetErubyIndent")
   finish
 endif
 
+" this file uses line continuations
+let s:cpo_sav = &cpo
+set cpo&vim
+
 function! GetErubyIndent(...)
+  " The value of a single shift-width
+  if exists('*shiftwidth')
+    let sw = shiftwidth()
+  else
+    let sw = &sw
+  endif
+
   if a:0 && a:1 == '.'
     let v:lnum = line('.')
   elseif a:0 && a:1 =~ '^\d'
@@ -52,31 +66,44 @@ function! GetErubyIndent(...)
     let ind = GetRubyIndent(v:lnum)
   else
     exe "let ind = ".b:eruby_subtype_indentexpr
+
+    " Workaround for Andy Wokula's HTML indent. This should be removed after
+    " some time, since the newest version is fixed in a different way.
+    if b:eruby_subtype_indentexpr =~# '^HtmlIndent('
+	  \ && exists('b:indent')
+	  \ && type(b:indent) == type({})
+	  \ && has_key(b:indent, 'lnum')
+      " Force HTML indent to not keep state
+      let b:indent.lnum = -1
+    endif
   endif
   let lnum = prevnonblank(v:lnum-1)
   let line = getline(lnum)
   let cline = getline(v:lnum)
   if cline =~# '^\s*<%[-=]\=\s*\%(}\|end\|else\|\%(ensure\|rescue\|elsif\|when\).\{-\}\)\s*\%([-=]\=%>\|$\)'
-    let ind = ind - &sw
+    let ind = ind - sw
   endif
   if line =~# '\S\s*<%[-=]\=\s*\%(}\|end\).\{-\}\s*\%([-=]\=%>\|$\)'
-    let ind = ind - &sw
+    let ind = ind - sw
   endif
   if line =~# '\%({\|\<do\)\%(\s*|[^|]*|\)\=\s*[-=]\=%>'
-    let ind = ind + &sw
+    let ind = ind + sw
   elseif line =~# '<%[-=]\=\s*\%(module\|class\|def\|if\|for\|while\|until\|else\|elsif\|case\|when\|unless\|begin\|ensure\|rescue\)\>.*%>'
-    let ind = ind + &sw
+    let ind = ind + sw
   endif
   if line =~# '^\s*<%[=#-]\=\s*$' && cline !~# '^\s*end\>'
-    let ind = ind + &sw
+    let ind = ind + sw
   endif
-  if line !~# '^\s*<%' && line =~# '%>\s*$'
-    let ind = ind - &sw
+  if line !~# '^\s*<%' && line =~# '%>\s*$' && line !~# '^\s*end\>'
+    let ind = ind - sw
   endif
   if cline =~# '^\s*[-=]\=%>\s*$'
-    let ind = ind - &sw
+    let ind = ind - sw
   endif
   return ind
 endfunction
 
+let &cpo = s:cpo_sav
+unlet! s:cpo_sav
+
 " vim:set sw=2 sts=2 ts=8 noet:
diff --git a/runtime/indent/fortran.vim b/runtime/indent/fortran.vim
index be2f0866d5..00cced4c9c 100644
--- a/runtime/indent/fortran.vim
+++ b/runtime/indent/fortran.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim indent file
 " Language:	Fortran 2008 (and older: Fortran 2003, 95, 90, and 77)
 " Version:	0.45
-" Last Change:	2016 Aug. 18
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug. 29
 " Maintainer:	Ajit J. Thakkar <ajit@unb.ca>; <http://www2.unb.ca/~ajit/>
 " Usage:	For instructions, do :help fortran-indent from Vim
 " Credits:
@@ -152,9 +152,6 @@ function FortranGetIndent(lnum)
   if prevstat =~ '&\s*$' && prev2stat !~ '&\s*$'
     let ind = ind + shiftwidth()
   endif
-  if prevstat =~ '&\s*$' && prevstat =~ '\<else\s*if\>'
-    let ind = ind - shiftwidth()
-  endif
   "Line after last continuation line
   if prevstat !~ '&\s*$' && prev2stat =~ '&\s*$' && prevstat !~? '\<then\>'
     let ind = ind - shiftwidth()
diff --git a/runtime/indent/gitconfig.vim b/runtime/indent/gitconfig.vim
index 7d5d44b779..480c96d1b9 100644
--- a/runtime/indent/gitconfig.vim
+++ b/runtime/indent/gitconfig.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim indent file
 " Language:	git config file
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:did_indent")
   finish
@@ -20,17 +20,18 @@ if exists("*GetGitconfigIndent")
 endif
 
 function! GetGitconfigIndent()
+  let sw    = exists('*shiftwidth') ? shiftwidth() : &sw
   let line  = getline(prevnonblank(v:lnum-1))
   let cline = getline(v:lnum)
   if line =~  '\\\@<!\%(\\\\\)*\\$'
     " odd number of slashes, in a line continuation
-    return 2 * &sw
+    return 2 * sw
   elseif cline =~ '^\s*\['
     return 0
   elseif cline =~ '^\s*\a'
-    return &sw
+    return sw
   elseif cline == ''       && line =~ '^\['
-    return &sw
+    return sw
   else
     return -1
   endif
diff --git a/runtime/indent/haml.vim b/runtime/indent/haml.vim
index c47a8a59c7..c3935af9e9 100644
--- a/runtime/indent/haml.vim
+++ b/runtime/indent/haml.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim indent file
 " Language:	Haml
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:did_indent")
   finish
@@ -37,10 +37,11 @@ function! GetHamlIndent()
   let line = substitute(line,'^\s\+','','')
   let indent = indent(lnum)
   let cindent = indent(v:lnum)
+  let sw = exists('*shiftwidth') ? shiftwidth() : &sw
   if cline =~# '\v^-\s*%(elsif|else|when)>'
-    let indent = cindent < indent ? cindent : indent - &sw
+    let indent = cindent < indent ? cindent : indent - sw
   endif
-  let increase = indent + &sw
+  let increase = indent + sw
   if indent == indent(lnum)
     let indent = cindent <= indent ? -1 : increase
   endif
diff --git a/runtime/indent/liquid.vim b/runtime/indent/liquid.vim
index 01e7223696..f8e1c83079 100644
--- a/runtime/indent/liquid.vim
+++ b/runtime/indent/liquid.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim indent file
 " Language:     Liquid
 " Maintainer:   Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists('b:did_indent')
   finish
@@ -54,9 +54,10 @@ function! GetLiquidIndent(...)
   let line  = substitute(line,'\C^\%(\s*{%\s*end\w*\s*%}\)\+','','')
   let line .= matchstr(cline,'\C^\%(\s*{%\s*end\w*\s*%}\)\+')
   let cline = substitute(cline,'\C^\%(\s*{%\s*end\w*\s*%}\)\+','','')
-  let ind += &sw * s:count(line,'{%\s*\%(if\|elsif\|else\|unless\|ifchanged\|case\|when\|for\|empty\|tablerow\|capture\)\>')
-  let ind -= &sw * s:count(line,'{%\s*end\%(if\|unless\|ifchanged\|case\|for\|tablerow\|capture\)\>')
-  let ind -= &sw * s:count(cline,'{%\s*\%(elsif\|else\|when\|empty\)\>')
-  let ind -= &sw * s:count(cline,'{%\s*end\w*$')
+  let sw = exists('*shiftwidth') ? shiftwidth() : &sw
+  let ind += sw * s:count(line,'{%\s*\%(if\|elsif\|else\|unless\|ifchanged\|case\|when\|for\|empty\|tablerow\|capture\)\>')
+  let ind -= sw * s:count(line,'{%\s*end\%(if\|unless\|ifchanged\|case\|for\|tablerow\|capture\)\>')
+  let ind -= sw * s:count(cline,'{%\s*\%(elsif\|else\|when\|empty\)\>')
+  let ind -= sw * s:count(cline,'{%\s*end\w*$')
   return ind
 endfunction
diff --git a/runtime/indent/ruby.vim b/runtime/indent/ruby.vim
index 095b3a43c6..4f87ec7823 100644
--- a/runtime/indent/ruby.vim
+++ b/runtime/indent/ruby.vim
@@ -13,12 +13,23 @@ if exists("b:did_indent")
 endif
 let b:did_indent = 1
 
+if !exists('g:ruby_indent_access_modifier_style')
+  " Possible values: "normal", "indent", "outdent"
+  let g:ruby_indent_access_modifier_style = 'normal'
+endif
+
+if !exists('g:ruby_indent_block_style')
+  " Possible values: "expression", "do"
+  let g:ruby_indent_block_style = 'expression'
+endif
+
 setlocal nosmartindent
 
 " Now, set up our indentation expression and keys that trigger it.
 setlocal indentexpr=GetRubyIndent(v:lnum)
-setlocal indentkeys=0{,0},0),0],!^F,o,O,e
+setlocal indentkeys=0{,0},0),0],!^F,o,O,e,:,.
 setlocal indentkeys+==end,=else,=elsif,=when,=ensure,=rescue,==begin,==end
+setlocal indentkeys+==private,=protected,=public
 
 " Only define the function once.
 if exists("*GetRubyIndent")
@@ -34,7 +45,7 @@ set cpo&vim
 " Regex of syntax group names that are or delimit strings/symbols or are comments.
 let s:syng_strcom = '\<ruby\%(Regexp\|RegexpDelimiter\|RegexpEscape' .
       \ '\|Symbol\|String\|StringDelimiter\|StringEscape\|ASCIICode' .
-      \ '\|Interpolation\|NoInterpolation\|Comment\|Documentation\)\>'
+      \ '\|Interpolation\|InterpolationDelimiter\|NoInterpolation\|Comment\|Documentation\)\>'
 
 " Regex of syntax group names that are strings.
 let s:syng_string =
@@ -49,9 +60,10 @@ let s:skip_expr =
       \ "synIDattr(synID(line('.'),col('.'),1),'name') =~ '".s:syng_strcom."'"
 
 " Regex used for words that, at the start of a line, add a level of indent.
-let s:ruby_indent_keywords = '^\s*\zs\<\%(module\|class\|def\|if\|for' .
-      \ '\|while\|until\|else\|elsif\|case\|when\|unless\|begin\|ensure' .
-      \ '\|rescue\):\@!\>' .
+let s:ruby_indent_keywords =
+      \ '^\s*\zs\<\%(module\|class\|if\|for' .
+      \   '\|while\|until\|else\|elsif\|case\|when\|unless\|begin\|ensure\|rescue' .
+      \   '\|\%(public\|protected\|private\)\=\s*def\):\@!\>' .
       \ '\|\%([=,*/%+-]\|<<\|>>\|:\s\)\s*\zs' .
       \    '\<\%(if\|for\|while\|until\|case\|unless\|begin\):\@!\>'
 
@@ -64,7 +76,8 @@ let s:ruby_deindent_keywords =
 " TODO: the do here should be restricted somewhat (only at end of line)?
 let s:end_start_regex =
       \ '\C\%(^\s*\|[=,*/%+\-|;{]\|<<\|>>\|:\s\)\s*\zs' .
-      \ '\<\%(module\|class\|def\|if\|for\|while\|until\|case\|unless\|begin\):\@!\>' .
+      \ '\<\%(module\|class\|if\|for\|while\|until\|case\|unless\|begin' .
+      \   '\|\%(public\|protected\|private\)\=\s*def\):\@!\>' .
       \ '\|\%(^\|[^.:@$]\)\@<=\<do:\@!\>'
 
 " Regex that defines the middle-match for the 'end' keyword.
@@ -82,16 +95,35 @@ let s:end_skip_expr = s:skip_expr .
 let s:non_bracket_continuation_regex = '\%([\\.,:*/%+]\|\<and\|\<or\|\%(<%\)\@<![=-]\|\W[|&?]\|||\|&&\)\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
 
 " Regex that defines continuation lines.
-" TODO: this needs to deal with if ...: and so on
 let s:continuation_regex =
       \ '\%(%\@<![({[\\.,:*/%+]\|\<and\|\<or\|\%(<%\)\@<![=-]\|\W[|&?]\|||\|&&\)\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
 
+" Regex that defines continuable keywords
+let s:continuable_regex =
+      \ '\C\%(^\s*\|[=,*/%+\-|;{]\|<<\|>>\|:\s\)\s*\zs' .
+      \ '\<\%(if\|for\|while\|until\|unless\):\@!\>'
+
 " Regex that defines bracket continuations
 let s:bracket_continuation_regex = '%\@<!\%([({[]\)\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
 
+" Regex that defines dot continuations
+let s:dot_continuation_regex = '%\@<!\.\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
+
+" Regex that defines backslash continuations
+let s:backslash_continuation_regex = '%\@<!\\\s*$'
+
+" Regex that defines end of bracket continuation followed by another continuation
+let s:bracket_switch_continuation_regex = '^\([^(]\+\zs).\+\)\+'.s:continuation_regex
+
 " Regex that defines the first part of a splat pattern
 let s:splat_regex = '[[,(]\s*\*\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
 
+" Regex that describes all indent access modifiers
+let s:access_modifier_regex = '\C^\s*\%(public\|protected\|private\)\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
+
+" Regex that describes the indent access modifiers (excludes public)
+let s:indent_access_modifier_regex = '\C^\s*\%(protected\|private\)\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
+
 " Regex that defines blocks.
 "
 " Note that there's a slight problem with this regex and s:continuation_regex.
@@ -102,10 +134,13 @@ let s:splat_regex = '[[,(]\s*\*\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
 " The reason is that the pipe matches a hanging "|" operator.
 "
 let s:block_regex =
-      \ '\%(\<do:\@!\>\|%\@<!{\)\s*\%(|\s*(*\s*\%([*@&]\=\h\w*,\=\s*\)\%(,\s*(*\s*[*@&]\=\h\w*\s*)*\s*\)*|\)\=\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
+      \ '\%(\<do:\@!\>\|%\@<!{\)\s*\%(|[^|]*|\)\=\s*\%(#.*\)\=$'
 
 let s:block_continuation_regex = '^\s*[^])}\t ].*'.s:block_regex
 
+" Regex that describes a leading operator (only a method call's dot for now)
+let s:leading_operator_regex = '^\s*[.]'
+
 " 2. Auxiliary Functions {{{1
 " ======================
 
@@ -165,7 +200,21 @@ function s:GetMSL(lnum)
     " Otherwise, terminate search as we have found our MSL already.
     let line = getline(lnum)
 
-    if s:Match(lnum, s:splat_regex)
+    if !s:Match(msl, s:backslash_continuation_regex) &&
+          \ s:Match(lnum, s:backslash_continuation_regex)
+      " If the current line doesn't end in a backslash, but the previous one
+      " does, look for that line's msl
+      "
+      " Example:
+      "   foo = "bar" \
+      "     "baz"
+      "
+      let msl = lnum
+    elseif s:Match(msl, s:leading_operator_regex)
+      " If the current line starts with a leading operator, keep its indent
+      " and keep looking for an MSL.
+      let msl = lnum
+    elseif s:Match(lnum, s:splat_regex)
       " If the above line looks like the "*" of a splat, use the current one's
       " indentation.
       "
@@ -175,7 +224,7 @@ function s:GetMSL(lnum)
       "       something
       "
       return msl
-    elseif s:Match(line, s:non_bracket_continuation_regex) &&
+    elseif s:Match(lnum, s:non_bracket_continuation_regex) &&
           \ s:Match(msl, s:non_bracket_continuation_regex)
       " If the current line is a non-bracket continuation and so is the
       " previous one, keep its indent and continue looking for an MSL.
@@ -186,6 +235,18 @@ function s:GetMSL(lnum)
       "     three
       "
       let msl = lnum
+    elseif s:Match(lnum, s:dot_continuation_regex) &&
+          \ (s:Match(msl, s:bracket_continuation_regex) || s:Match(msl, s:block_continuation_regex))
+      " If the current line is a bracket continuation or a block-starter, but
+      " the previous is a dot, keep going to see if the previous line is the
+      " start of another continuation.
+      "
+      " Example:
+      "   parent.
+      "     method_call {
+      "     three
+      "
+      let msl = lnum
     elseif s:Match(lnum, s:non_bracket_continuation_regex) &&
           \ (s:Match(msl, s:bracket_continuation_regex) || s:Match(msl, s:block_continuation_regex))
       " If the current line is a bracket continuation or a block-starter, but
@@ -299,18 +360,39 @@ function s:ExtraBrackets(lnum)
 endfunction
 
 function s:Match(lnum, regex)
-  let col = match(getline(a:lnum), '\C'.a:regex) + 1
-  return col > 0 && !s:IsInStringOrComment(a:lnum, col) ? col : 0
+  let line   = getline(a:lnum)
+  let offset = match(line, '\C'.a:regex)
+  let col    = offset + 1
+
+  while offset > -1 && s:IsInStringOrComment(a:lnum, col)
+    let offset = match(line, '\C'.a:regex, offset + 1)
+    let col = offset + 1
+  endwhile
+
+  if offset > -1
+    return col
+  else
+    return 0
+  endif
 endfunction
 
-function s:MatchLast(lnum, regex)
-  let line = getline(a:lnum)
-  let col = match(line, '.*\zs' . a:regex)
-  while col != -1 && s:IsInStringOrComment(a:lnum, col)
-    let line = strpart(line, 0, col)
-    let col = match(line, '.*' . a:regex)
-  endwhile
-  return col + 1
+" Locates the containing class/module's definition line, ignoring nested classes
+" along the way.
+"
+function! s:FindContainingClass()
+  let saved_position = getpos('.')
+
+  while searchpair(s:end_start_regex, s:end_middle_regex, s:end_end_regex, 'bW',
+        \ s:end_skip_expr) > 0
+    if expand('<cword>') =~# '\<class\|module\>'
+      let found_lnum = line('.')
+      call setpos('.', saved_position)
+      return found_lnum
+    endif
+  endif
+
+  call setpos('.', saved_position)
+  return 0
 endfunction
 
 " 3. GetRubyIndent Function {{{1
@@ -320,6 +402,13 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
   " 3.1. Setup {{{2
   " ----------
 
+  " The value of a single shift-width
+  if exists('*shiftwidth')
+    let sw = shiftwidth()
+  else
+    let sw = &sw
+  endif
+
   " For the current line, use the first argument if given, else v:lnum
   let clnum = a:0 ? a:1 : v:lnum
 
@@ -333,6 +422,24 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
   let line = getline(clnum)
   let ind = -1
 
+  " If this line is an access modifier keyword, align according to the closest
+  " class declaration.
+  if g:ruby_indent_access_modifier_style == 'indent'
+    if s:Match(clnum, s:access_modifier_regex)
+      let class_line = s:FindContainingClass()
+      if class_line > 0
+        return indent(class_line) + sw
+      endif
+    endif
+  elseif g:ruby_indent_access_modifier_style == 'outdent'
+    if s:Match(clnum, s:access_modifier_regex)
+      let class_line = s:FindContainingClass()
+      if class_line > 0
+        return indent(class_line)
+      endif
+    endif
+  endif
+
   " If we got a closing bracket on an empty line, find its match and indent
   " according to it.  For parentheses we indent to its column - 1, for the
   " others we indent to the containing line's MSL's level.  Return -1 if fail.
@@ -343,7 +450,9 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
     if searchpair(escape(bs[0], '\['), '', bs[1], 'bW', s:skip_expr) > 0
       if line[col-1]==')' && col('.') != col('$') - 1
         let ind = virtcol('.') - 1
-      else
+      elseif g:ruby_indent_block_style == 'do'
+        let ind = indent(line('.'))
+      else " g:ruby_indent_block_style == 'expression'
         let ind = indent(s:GetMSL(line('.')))
       endif
     endif
@@ -366,10 +475,17 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
 
       if strpart(line, 0, col('.') - 1) =~ '=\s*$' &&
             \ strpart(line, col('.') - 1, 2) !~ 'do'
+        " assignment to case/begin/etc, on the same line, hanging indent
         let ind = virtcol('.') - 1
+      elseif g:ruby_indent_block_style == 'do'
+        " align to line of the "do", not to the MSL
+        let ind = indent(line('.'))
       elseif getline(msl) =~ '=\s*\(#.*\)\=$'
+        " in the case of assignment to the MSL, align to the starting line,
+        " not to the MSL
         let ind = indent(line('.'))
       else
+        " align to the MSL
         let ind = indent(msl)
       endif
     endif
@@ -389,6 +505,11 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
     return 0
   endif
 
+  " If the current line starts with a leading operator, add a level of indent.
+  if s:Match(clnum, s:leading_operator_regex)
+    return indent(s:GetMSL(clnum)) + sw
+  endif
+
   " 3.3. Work on the previous line. {{{2
   " -------------------------------
 
@@ -409,14 +530,50 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
   let line = getline(lnum)
   let ind = indent(lnum)
 
+  if g:ruby_indent_access_modifier_style == 'indent'
+    " If the previous line was a private/protected keyword, add a
+    " level of indent.
+    if s:Match(lnum, s:indent_access_modifier_regex)
+      return indent(lnum) + sw
+    endif
+  elseif g:ruby_indent_access_modifier_style == 'outdent'
+    " If the previous line was a private/protected/public keyword, add
+    " a level of indent, since the keyword has been out-dented.
+    if s:Match(lnum, s:access_modifier_regex)
+      return indent(lnum) + sw
+    endif
+  endif
+
+  if s:Match(lnum, s:continuable_regex) && s:Match(lnum, s:continuation_regex)
+    return indent(s:GetMSL(lnum)) + sw + sw
+  endif
+
   " If the previous line ended with a block opening, add a level of indent.
   if s:Match(lnum, s:block_regex)
-    return indent(s:GetMSL(lnum)) + &sw
+    let msl = s:GetMSL(lnum)
+
+    if g:ruby_indent_block_style == 'do'
+      " don't align to the msl, align to the "do"
+      let ind = indent(lnum) + sw
+    elseif getline(msl) =~ '=\s*\(#.*\)\=$'
+      " in the case of assignment to the msl, align to the starting line,
+      " not to the msl
+      let ind = indent(lnum) + sw
+    else
+      let ind = indent(msl) + sw
+    endif
+    return ind
+  endif
+
+  " If the previous line started with a leading operator, use its MSL's level
+  " of indent
+  if s:Match(lnum, s:leading_operator_regex)
+    return indent(s:GetMSL(lnum))
   endif
 
   " If the previous line ended with the "*" of a splat, add a level of indent
   if line =~ s:splat_regex
-    return indent(lnum) + &sw
+    return indent(lnum) + sw
   endif
 
   " If the previous line contained unclosed opening brackets and we are still
@@ -431,22 +588,22 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
     if opening.pos != -1
       if opening.type == '(' && searchpair('(', '', ')', 'bW', s:skip_expr) > 0
         if col('.') + 1 == col('$')
-          return ind + &sw
+          return ind + sw
         else
           return virtcol('.')
         endif
       else
         let nonspace = matchend(line, '\S', opening.pos + 1) - 1
-        return nonspace > 0 ? nonspace : ind + &sw
+        return nonspace > 0 ? nonspace : ind + sw
       endif
     elseif closing.pos != -1
       call cursor(lnum, closing.pos + 1)
       normal! %
 
       if s:Match(line('.'), s:ruby_indent_keywords)
-        return indent('.') + &sw
+        return indent('.') + sw
       else
-        return indent('.')
+        return indent(s:GetMSL(line('.')))
       endif
     else
       call cursor(clnum, vcol)
@@ -473,7 +630,7 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
   let col = s:Match(lnum, s:ruby_indent_keywords)
   if col > 0
     call cursor(lnum, col)
-    let ind = virtcol('.') - 1 + &sw
+    let ind = virtcol('.') - 1 + sw
     " TODO: make this better (we need to count them) (or, if a searchpair
     " fails, we know that something is lacking an end and thus we indent a
     " level
@@ -490,10 +647,14 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
   let p_lnum = lnum
   let lnum = s:GetMSL(lnum)
 
-  " If the previous line wasn't a MSL and is continuation return its indent.
-  " TODO: the || s:IsInString() thing worries me a bit.
+  " If the previous line wasn't a MSL.
   if p_lnum != lnum
-    if s:Match(p_lnum, s:non_bracket_continuation_regex) || s:IsInString(p_lnum,strlen(line))
+    " If previous line ends bracket and begins non-bracket continuation decrease indent by 1.
+    if s:Match(p_lnum, s:bracket_switch_continuation_regex)
+      return ind - 1
+    " If previous line is a continuation return its indent.
+    " TODO: the || s:IsInString() thing worries me a bit.
+    elseif s:Match(p_lnum, s:non_bracket_continuation_regex) || s:IsInString(p_lnum,strlen(line))
       return ind
     endif
   endif
@@ -506,9 +667,9 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
   " TODO: this does not take into account contrived things such as
   " module Foo; class Bar; end
   if s:Match(lnum, s:ruby_indent_keywords)
-    let ind = msl_ind + &sw
+    let ind = msl_ind + sw
     if s:Match(lnum, s:end_end_regex)
-      let ind = ind - &sw
+      let ind = ind - sw
     endif
     return ind
   endif
@@ -517,7 +678,7 @@ function GetRubyIndent(...)
   " closing bracket, indent one extra level.
   if s:Match(lnum, s:non_bracket_continuation_regex) && !s:Match(lnum, '^\s*\([\])}]\|end\)')
     if lnum == p_lnum
-      let ind = msl_ind + &sw
+      let ind = msl_ind + sw
     else
       let ind = msl_ind
     endif
diff --git a/runtime/indent/sass.vim b/runtime/indent/sass.vim
index b6e2e66e8a..d87b371fdd 100644
--- a/runtime/indent/sass.vim
+++ b/runtime/indent/sass.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim indent file
 " Language:	Sass
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:did_indent")
   finish
@@ -29,9 +29,7 @@ function! GetSassIndent()
   let indent = indent(lnum)
   let cindent = indent(v:lnum)
   if line !~ s:property && line !~ s:extend && cline =~ s:property
-    return indent + &sw
-  "elseif line =~ s:property && cline !~ s:property
-    "return indent - &sw
+    return indent + (exists('*shiftwidth') ? shiftwidth() : &sw)
   else
     return -1
   endif
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/a65.vim b/runtime/syntax/a65.vim
index 94198e6a42..5ade809a1f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/a65.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/a65.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Clemens Kirchgatterer <clemens@1541.org>
 " Last Change:	2014 Jan 05
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -138,29 +135,21 @@ syn match  a65End			excludenl /end$/ contained
 syn match  a65Continue	"\\$" contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_a65_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_a65_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink a65Section	Special
-  HiLink a65Address	Special
-  HiLink a65Comment	Comment
-  HiLink a65PreProc	PreProc
-  HiLink a65Number	Number
-  HiLink a65String	String
-  HiLink a65Type	Statement
-  HiLink a65Opcode	Type
-  HiLink a65PC		Error
-  HiLink a65Todo	Todo
-  HiLink a65HiLo	Number
+HiLink a65Section	Special
+HiLink a65Address	Special
+HiLink a65Comment	Comment
+HiLink a65PreProc	PreProc
+HiLink a65Number	Number
+HiLink a65String	String
+HiLink a65Type	Statement
+HiLink a65Opcode	Type
+HiLink a65PC		Error
+HiLink a65Todo	Todo
+HiLink a65HiLo	Number
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "a65"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/abap.vim b/runtime/syntax/abap.vim
index 1d1f6afd0d..ac5504a952 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/abap.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/abap.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Last Change: 2013 Jun 13
 "     Comment: Thanks to EPI-USE Labs for all your assistance. :)
 
-" For version  < 6.0: Clear all syntax items
-" For version >= 6.0: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -43,11 +40,7 @@ syn match   abapStringEscape contained "``"
 syn match   abapNumber  "\-\=\<\d\+\>"
 syn region  abapHex     matchgroup=abapHex start="X'" end="'"
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=48-57,_,A-Z,a-z,/
-else
-  set iskeyword=48-57,_,A-Z,a-z,/
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=48-57,_,A-Z,a-z,/
 
 syn match   abapNamespace        "\</\w\+/"
 
@@ -175,38 +168,30 @@ syn keyword abapTodo     contained TODO NOTE
 syn match   abapTodo     "\#EC\W\+\w\+"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_abap_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_abap_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink abapError          Error
-  HiLink abapComment        Comment
-  HiLink abapInclude        Include
-  HiLink abapStatement      Statement
-  HiLink abapComplexStatement      Statement
-  HiLink abapSpecial        Special
-  HiLink abapNamespace      Special
-  HiLink abapSpecialTables  Special
-  HiLink abapSymbolOperator abapOperator
-  HiLink abapOperator       Operator
-  HiLink abapCharString     String
-  HiLink abapString         String
-  HiLink abapFloat          Float
-  HiLink abapTypes          Type
-  HiLink abapSymbol         Structure
-  HiLink abapStructure      Structure
-  HiLink abapField          Variable
-  HiLink abapNumber         Number
-  HiLink abapHex            Number
+HiLink abapError          Error
+HiLink abapComment        Comment
+HiLink abapInclude        Include
+HiLink abapStatement      Statement
+HiLink abapComplexStatement      Statement
+HiLink abapSpecial        Special
+HiLink abapNamespace      Special
+HiLink abapSpecialTables  Special
+HiLink abapSymbolOperator abapOperator
+HiLink abapOperator       Operator
+HiLink abapCharString     String
+HiLink abapString         String
+HiLink abapFloat          Float
+HiLink abapTypes          Type
+HiLink abapSymbol         Structure
+HiLink abapStructure      Structure
+HiLink abapField          Variable
+HiLink abapNumber         Number
+HiLink abapHex            Number
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "abap"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/abaqus.vim b/runtime/syntax/abaqus.vim
index cf4b0828fa..ddf0255845 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/abaqus.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/abaqus.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2002 Feb 24
 " Remark:	Huge improvement in folding performance--see filetype plugin
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -25,24 +22,16 @@ syn match abaqusValue	"=\s*[^,]*"lc=1 contained display
 syn match abaqusBadLine	"^\s\+\*.*" display
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_abaqus_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_abaqus_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-	HiLink abaqusComment	Comment
-	HiLink abaqusKeyword	Statement
-	HiLink abaqusParameter	Identifier
-	HiLink abaqusValue	Constant
-	HiLink abaqusBadLine    Error
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink abaqusComment	Comment
+HiLink abaqusKeyword	Statement
+HiLink abaqusParameter	Identifier
+HiLink abaqusValue	Constant
+HiLink abaqusBadLine    Error
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "abaqus"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/abc.vim b/runtime/syntax/abc.vim
index 3dc098e730..68f0cf16ff 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/abc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/abc.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://perun.hscs.wmin.ac.uk/~jra/vim/syntax/abc.vim
 " Last Change:	27th April 2001
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -36,28 +33,20 @@ syn match abcComment "%.*$"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_abc_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_abc_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink abcComment		Comment
-  HiLink abcHeadField		Type
-  HiLink abcBodyField		Special
-  HiLink abcBar			Statement
-  HiLink abcTuple			Statement
-  HiLink abcBroken			Statement
-  HiLink abcTie			Statement
-  HiLink abcGuitarChord	Identifier
-  HiLink abcNote			Constant
+HiLink abcComment		Comment
+HiLink abcHeadField		Type
+HiLink abcBodyField		Special
+HiLink abcBar			Statement
+HiLink abcTuple			Statement
+HiLink abcBroken			Statement
+HiLink abcTie			Statement
+HiLink abcGuitarChord	Identifier
+HiLink abcNote			Constant
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "abc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/abel.vim b/runtime/syntax/abel.vim
index 05e8dac913..dfa872f422 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/abel.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/abel.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	John Cook <johncook3@gmail.com>
 " Last Change:	2011 Dec 27
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -123,48 +120,40 @@ endif
 syn sync minlines=1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_abel_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_abel_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default highlighting.
-  HiLink abelHeader		abelStatement
-  HiLink abelSection		abelStatement
-  HiLink abelDeclaration	abelStatement
-  HiLink abelLogicalOperator	abelOperator
-  HiLink abelRangeOperator	abelOperator
-  HiLink abelAlternateOperator	abelOperator
-  HiLink abelArithmeticOperator	abelOperator
-  HiLink abelRelationalOperator	abelOperator
-  HiLink abelAssignmentOperator	abelOperator
-  HiLink abelTruthTableOperator	abelOperator
-  HiLink abelSpecifier		abelStatement
-  HiLink abelOperator		abelStatement
-  HiLink abelStatement		Statement
-  HiLink abelIdentifier		Identifier
-  HiLink abelTypeId		abelType
-  HiLink abelTypeIdChar		abelType
-  HiLink abelType		Type
-  HiLink abelNumber		abelString
-  HiLink abelString		String
-  HiLink abelConstant		Constant
-  HiLink abelComment		Comment
-  HiLink abelExtension		abelSpecial
-  HiLink abelSpecialChar	abelSpecial
-  HiLink abelTypeIdEnd		abelSpecial
-  HiLink abelSpecial		Special
-  HiLink abelDirective		PreProc
-  HiLink abelTodo		Todo
-  HiLink abelError		Error
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink abelHeader		abelStatement
+HiLink abelSection		abelStatement
+HiLink abelDeclaration	abelStatement
+HiLink abelLogicalOperator	abelOperator
+HiLink abelRangeOperator	abelOperator
+HiLink abelAlternateOperator	abelOperator
+HiLink abelArithmeticOperator	abelOperator
+HiLink abelRelationalOperator	abelOperator
+HiLink abelAssignmentOperator	abelOperator
+HiLink abelTruthTableOperator	abelOperator
+HiLink abelSpecifier		abelStatement
+HiLink abelOperator		abelStatement
+HiLink abelStatement		Statement
+HiLink abelIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink abelTypeId		abelType
+HiLink abelTypeIdChar		abelType
+HiLink abelType		Type
+HiLink abelNumber		abelString
+HiLink abelString		String
+HiLink abelConstant		Constant
+HiLink abelComment		Comment
+HiLink abelExtension		abelSpecial
+HiLink abelSpecialChar	abelSpecial
+HiLink abelTypeIdEnd		abelSpecial
+HiLink abelSpecial		Special
+HiLink abelDirective		PreProc
+HiLink abelTodo		Todo
+HiLink abelError		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "abel"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/acedb.vim b/runtime/syntax/acedb.vim
index 114e4aba9e..43cec3ac29 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/acedb.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/acedb.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " Syntax file to handle all $ACEDB/wspec/*.wrm files, primarily models.wrm
 " AceDB software is available from http://www.acedb.org
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -86,35 +83,27 @@ syn region	acedbString	start=/"/ end=/"/ skip=/\\"/ oneline
 " Rest of syntax highlighting rules start here
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_acedb_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_acedb_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink acedbMagic	Special
-  HiLink acedbHyb	Special
-  HiLink acedbType	Type
-  HiLink acedbOption	Type
-  HiLink acedbSubclass	Type
-  HiLink acedbSubtag	Include
-  HiLink acedbFlag	Include
-  HiLink acedbTag	Include
-  HiLink acedbClass	Todo
-  HiLink acedbHelp	Todo
-  HiLink acedbXref	Identifier
-  HiLink acedbModifier	Label
-  HiLink acedbComment	Comment
-  HiLink acedbBlock	ModeMsg
-  HiLink acedbNumber	Number
-  HiLink acedbString	String
+HiLink acedbMagic	Special
+HiLink acedbHyb	Special
+HiLink acedbType	Type
+HiLink acedbOption	Type
+HiLink acedbSubclass	Type
+HiLink acedbSubtag	Include
+HiLink acedbFlag	Include
+HiLink acedbTag	Include
+HiLink acedbClass	Todo
+HiLink acedbHelp	Todo
+HiLink acedbXref	Identifier
+HiLink acedbModifier	Label
+HiLink acedbComment	Comment
+HiLink acedbBlock	ModeMsg
+HiLink acedbNumber	Number
+HiLink acedbString	String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "acedb"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/aflex.vim b/runtime/syntax/aflex.vim
index 592c98e4f3..21b78d0d85 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/aflex.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/aflex.vim
@@ -7,21 +7,14 @@
 " Comment:	Replaced sourcing c.vim file by ada.vim and rename lex*
 "		in aflex*
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
 " Read the Ada syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-   so <sfile>:p:h/ada.vim
-else
-   runtime! syntax/ada.vim
-   unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/ada.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 
 " --- AfLex stuff ---
@@ -69,31 +62,22 @@ syn sync match aflexSyncPat	groupthere aflexPatBlock	"^<$"
 syn sync match aflexSyncPat	groupthere aflexPatBlock	"^%%$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink	aflexSlashQuote	aflexPat
+HiLink	aflexBrace		aflexPat
+HiLink aflexAbbrvComment	aflexPatComment
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_aflex_syntax_inits")
-   if version < 508
-      let did_aflex_syntax_inits = 1
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
-  HiLink	aflexSlashQuote	aflexPat
-  HiLink	aflexBrace		aflexPat
-  HiLink aflexAbbrvComment	aflexPatComment
-
-  HiLink	aflexAbbrv		SpecialChar
-  HiLink	aflexAbbrvRegExp	Macro
-  HiLink	aflexCFunctions	Function
-  HiLink	aflexMorePat	SpecialChar
-  HiLink	aflexPat		Function
-  HiLink	aflexPatComment	Comment
-  HiLink	aflexPatString	Function
-  HiLink	aflexPatTag		Special
-  HiLink	aflexSep		Delimiter
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink	aflexAbbrv		SpecialChar
+HiLink	aflexAbbrvRegExp	Macro
+HiLink	aflexCFunctions	Function
+HiLink	aflexMorePat	SpecialChar
+HiLink	aflexPat		Function
+HiLink	aflexPatComment	Comment
+HiLink	aflexPatString	Function
+HiLink	aflexPatTag		Special
+HiLink	aflexSep		Delimiter
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "aflex"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ahdl.vim b/runtime/syntax/ahdl.vim
index b1417c374d..82f3918de8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ahdl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ahdl.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	John Cook <john.cook@kla-tencor.com>
 " Last Change:	2001 Apr 25
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -66,29 +63,21 @@ syn match   ahdlSpecialChar "[\[\]().,;]"
 syn sync minlines=1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ahdl_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ahdl_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default highlighting.
-  HiLink ahdlNumber		ahdlString
-  HiLink ahdlMegafunction	ahdlIdentifier
-  HiLink ahdlSpecialChar	SpecialChar
-  HiLink ahdlKeyword		Statement
-  HiLink ahdlString		String
-  HiLink ahdlComment		Comment
-  HiLink ahdlIdentifier		Identifier
-  HiLink ahdlOperator		Operator
-  HiLink ahdlTodo		Todo
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink ahdlNumber		ahdlString
+HiLink ahdlMegafunction	ahdlIdentifier
+HiLink ahdlSpecialChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink ahdlKeyword		Statement
+HiLink ahdlString		String
+HiLink ahdlComment		Comment
+HiLink ahdlIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink ahdlOperator		Operator
+HiLink ahdlTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ahdl"
 " vim:ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/amiga.vim b/runtime/syntax/amiga.vim
index 4ccab1950f..e094cfc744 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/amiga.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/amiga.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Version:     7
 " URL:	http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#SYNTAX_AMIGA
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -72,29 +69,21 @@ syn match	amiComment	";.*$" contains=amiCommentGroup
 syn sync lines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_amiga_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_amiga_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink amiAlias	Type
-  HiLink amiComment	Comment
-  HiLink amiDev	Type
-  HiLink amiEcho	String
-  HiLink amiElse	Statement
-  HiLink amiError	Error
-  HiLink amiKey	Statement
-  HiLink amiNumber	Number
-  HiLink amiString	String
-  HiLink amiTest	Special
+HiLink amiAlias	Type
+HiLink amiComment	Comment
+HiLink amiDev	Type
+HiLink amiEcho	String
+HiLink amiElse	Statement
+HiLink amiError	Error
+HiLink amiKey	Statement
+HiLink amiNumber	Number
+HiLink amiString	String
+HiLink amiTest	Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "amiga"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/aml.vim b/runtime/syntax/aml.vim
index 7cb16f1c1f..1b975ccabe 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/aml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/aml.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 "		    of [], in order to avoid -read highlighted,
 "		    or [quote] strings highlighted
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -123,35 +120,27 @@ syn region amlSkip matchgroup=amlOutput start="&typ" end="$" contains=amlVar
 syn region amlSkip matchgroup=amlOutput start="&type" end="$" contains=amlVar
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_aml_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_aml_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink amlComment	Comment
-  HiLink amlNumber	Number
-  HiLink amlQuote	String
-  HiLink amlVar	Identifier
-  HiLink amlVar2	Identifier
-  HiLink amlFunction	PreProc
-  HiLink amlDir	Statement
-  HiLink amlDir2	Statement
-  HiLink amlDirSym	Statement
-  HiLink amlOutput	Statement
-  HiLink amlArcCmd	ModeMsg
-  HiLink amlFormedCmd	amlArcCmd
-  HiLink amlTabCmd	amlArcCmd
-  HiLink amlInfoCmd	amlArcCmd
-  HiLink amlVtrCmd	amlArcCmd
-  HiLink amlFormed	amlArcCmd
-  HiLink amlTab	amlArcCmd
+HiLink amlComment	Comment
+HiLink amlNumber	Number
+HiLink amlQuote	String
+HiLink amlVar	Identifier
+HiLink amlVar2	Identifier
+HiLink amlFunction	PreProc
+HiLink amlDir	Statement
+HiLink amlDir2	Statement
+HiLink amlDirSym	Statement
+HiLink amlOutput	Statement
+HiLink amlArcCmd	ModeMsg
+HiLink amlFormedCmd	amlArcCmd
+HiLink amlTabCmd	amlArcCmd
+HiLink amlInfoCmd	amlArcCmd
+HiLink amlVtrCmd	amlArcCmd
+HiLink amlFormed	amlArcCmd
+HiLink amlTab	amlArcCmd
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "aml"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ampl.vim b/runtime/syntax/ampl.vim
index 7f4dfa9942..99a683a0f4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ampl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ampl.vim
@@ -3,9 +3,8 @@
 " Last Change:  2003 May 11
 
 
-if version < 600
- syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
  finish
 endif
 
@@ -115,33 +114,26 @@ syn keyword amplTodo contained	 TODO FIXME XXX
 
 
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ampl_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ampl_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
-  HiLink amplEntityKeyword	Keyword
-  HiLink amplType		Type
-  HiLink amplStatement		Statement
-  HiLink amplOperators		Operator
-  HiLink amplBasicOperators	Operator
-  HiLink amplConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink amplRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink amplStrings		String
-  HiLink amplNumerics		Number
-  HiLink amplSetFunction	Function
-  HiLink amplBuiltInFunction	Function
-  HiLink amplRandomGenerator	Function
-  HiLink amplComment		Comment
-  HiLink amplDotSuffix		Special
-  HiLink amplPiecewise		Special
+" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
+HiLink amplEntityKeyword	Keyword
+HiLink amplType		Type
+HiLink amplStatement		Statement
+HiLink amplOperators		Operator
+HiLink amplBasicOperators	Operator
+HiLink amplConditional	Conditional
+HiLink amplRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink amplStrings		String
+HiLink amplNumerics		Number
+HiLink amplSetFunction	Function
+HiLink amplBuiltInFunction	Function
+HiLink amplRandomGenerator	Function
+HiLink amplComment		Comment
+HiLink amplDotSuffix		Special
+HiLink amplPiecewise		Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ampl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/antlr.vim b/runtime/syntax/antlr.vim
index 19000293fb..2ac38d7747 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/antlr.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/antlr.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " LastChange:	02 May 2001
 " Original:	Comes from JavaCC.vim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
@@ -18,12 +15,8 @@ endif
 " Those files usually have the extension  *.jj
 
 " source the java.vim file
-if version < 600
-   so <sfile>:p:h/java.vim
-else
-   runtime! syntax/java.vim
-   unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/java.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 "remove catching errors caused by wrong parenthesis (does not work in antlr
 "files) (first define them in case they have not been defined in java)
@@ -53,17 +46,10 @@ syn match antlrSep "[|:]\|\.\."
 syn keyword antlrActionToken TOKEN SKIP MORE SPECIAL_TOKEN
 syn keyword antlrError DEBUG IGNORE_IN_BNF
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_antlr_syntax_inits")
-   if version < 508
-      let did_antlr_syntax_inits = 1
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
-   HiLink antlrSep Statement
-   HiLink antlrPackages Statement
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink antlrSep Statement
+HiLink antlrPackages Statement
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "antlr"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/apache.vim b/runtime/syntax/apache.vim
index 85cda4095a..b556fa350d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/apache.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/apache.vim
@@ -9,13 +9,9 @@
 "		make it really linewise?
 "		+ add `display' where appropriate
 
-" Setup
-if version >= 600
-	if exists("b:current_syntax")
-		finish
-	endif
-else
-	syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+	finish
 endif
 
 syn case ignore
@@ -178,37 +174,30 @@ syn match apacheSection "<\/\=\(<IfVersion\)[^>]*>" contains=apacheAnything
 syn keyword apacheDeclaration VirtualDocumentRoot VirtualDocumentRootIP VirtualScriptAlias VirtualScriptAliasIP
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_apache_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_apache_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink apacheAllowOverride apacheDeclaration
-	HiLink apacheAllowOverrideValue apacheOption
-	HiLink apacheAuthType apacheDeclaration
-	HiLink apacheAuthTypeValue apacheOption
-	HiLink apacheOptionOption apacheOption
-	HiLink apacheDeclaration Function
-	HiLink apacheAnything apacheOption
-	HiLink apacheOption Number
-	HiLink apacheComment Comment
-	HiLink apacheFixme Todo
-	HiLink apacheLimitSectionKeyword apacheLimitSection
-	HiLink apacheLimitSection apacheSection
-	HiLink apacheSection Label
-	HiLink apacheMethodOption Type
-	HiLink apacheAllowDeny Include
-	HiLink apacheAllowDenyValue Identifier
-	HiLink apacheOrder Special
-	HiLink apacheOrderValue String
-	HiLink apacheString String
-	HiLink apacheError Error
-	HiLink apacheUserID Number
+HiLink apacheAllowOverride apacheDeclaration
+HiLink apacheAllowOverrideValue apacheOption
+HiLink apacheAuthType apacheDeclaration
+HiLink apacheAuthTypeValue apacheOption
+HiLink apacheOptionOption apacheOption
+HiLink apacheDeclaration Function
+HiLink apacheAnything apacheOption
+HiLink apacheOption Number
+HiLink apacheComment Comment
+HiLink apacheFixme Todo
+HiLink apacheLimitSectionKeyword apacheLimitSection
+HiLink apacheLimitSection apacheSection
+HiLink apacheSection Label
+HiLink apacheMethodOption Type
+HiLink apacheAllowDeny Include
+HiLink apacheAllowDenyValue Identifier
+HiLink apacheOrder Special
+HiLink apacheOrderValue String
+HiLink apacheString String
+HiLink apacheError Error
+HiLink apacheUserID Number
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "apache"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/apachestyle.vim b/runtime/syntax/apachestyle.vim
index 375fc70a9c..53d5907b9e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/apachestyle.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/apachestyle.vim
@@ -20,11 +20,8 @@
 "		</SubSection>
 "	</Section>
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -41,25 +38,17 @@ syn match  apTagOption	contained / [-\/_\.:*a-zA-Z0-9]\+/ms=s+1
 syn match  apTagError	contained /[^>]</ms=s+1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_apachestyle_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_apachestyle_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink apComment	Comment
-  HiLink apOption	Keyword
-  "HiLink apLastValue	Identifier		ugly?
-  HiLink apTag		Special
-  HiLink apTagOption	Identifier
-  HiLink apTagError	Error
+HiLink apComment	Comment
+HiLink apOption	Keyword
+"HiLink apLastValue	Identifier		ugly?
+HiLink apTag		Special
+HiLink apTagOption	Identifier
+HiLink apTagError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "apachestyle"
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/aptconf.vim b/runtime/syntax/aptconf.vim
index 7a31b2d15e..8cb14321e2 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/aptconf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/aptconf.vim
@@ -3,12 +3,9 @@
 " Maintainer:	Yann Amar <quidame@poivron.org>
 " Last Change:	2015 Dec 22
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x and 7.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   let main_syntax = 'aptconf'
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/arduino.vim b/runtime/syntax/arduino.vim
index 14299a441a..4a4ef82072 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/arduino.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/arduino.vim
@@ -10,20 +10,13 @@
 
 " Thanks to Rik, Erik Nomitch, Adam Obeng and Graeme Cross for helpful feedback!
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/cpp.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
 
 syn keyword arduinoConstant HIGH LOW INPUT OUTPUT
 syn keyword arduinoConstant DEC BIN HEX OCT BYTE
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/asm.vim b/runtime/syntax/asm.vim
index e5f16c5bdc..501f5f0872 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/asm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/asm.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 
 " Thanks to Ori Avtalion for feedback on the comment markers!
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.0 and later: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -103,37 +100,29 @@ syn match asmDirective		"\.[A-Za-z][0-9A-Za-z-_]*"
 syn case match
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_asm_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_asm_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink asmSection	Special
-  HiLink asmLabel	Label
-  HiLink asmComment	Comment
-  HiLink asmTodo	Todo
-  HiLink asmDirective	Statement
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink asmSection	Special
+HiLink asmLabel	Label
+HiLink asmComment	Comment
+HiLink asmTodo	Todo
+HiLink asmDirective	Statement
 
-  HiLink asmInclude	Include
-  HiLink asmCond	PreCondit
-  HiLink asmMacro	Macro
+HiLink asmInclude	Include
+HiLink asmCond	PreCondit
+HiLink asmMacro	Macro
 
-  HiLink hexNumber	Number
-  HiLink decNumber	Number
-  HiLink octNumber	Number
-  HiLink binNumber	Number
+HiLink hexNumber	Number
+HiLink decNumber	Number
+HiLink octNumber	Number
+HiLink binNumber	Number
 
-  HiLink asmIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink asmType	Type
+HiLink asmIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink asmType	Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "asm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/asm68k.vim b/runtime/syntax/asm68k.vim
index cd23517cad..ace56c854e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/asm68k.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/asm68k.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " Feel free to contribute...
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -328,63 +325,55 @@ syn match asm68kDirective	"\<XREF\(\.S\)\=\s"
 syn case match
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_asm68k_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_asm68k_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  " Comment Constant Error Identifier PreProc Special Statement Todo Type
-  "
-  " Constant		Boolean Character Number String
-  " Identifier		Function
-  " PreProc		Define Include Macro PreCondit
-  " Special		Debug Delimiter SpecialChar SpecialComment Tag
-  " Statement		Conditional Exception Keyword Label Operator Repeat
-  " Type		StorageClass Structure Typedef
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+" Comment Constant Error Identifier PreProc Special Statement Todo Type
+"
+" Constant		Boolean Character Number String
+" Identifier		Function
+" PreProc		Define Include Macro PreCondit
+" Special		Debug Delimiter SpecialChar SpecialComment Tag
+" Statement		Conditional Exception Keyword Label Operator Repeat
+" Type		StorageClass Structure Typedef
 
-  HiLink asm68kComment		Comment
-  HiLink asm68kTodo		Todo
+HiLink asm68kComment		Comment
+HiLink asm68kTodo		Todo
 
-  HiLink hexNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink octNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink binNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink decNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink floatNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink floatExponent		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink floatE			SpecialChar	" Statement
-  "HiLink floatE		Number		" Constant
+HiLink hexNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink octNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink binNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink decNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink floatNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink floatExponent		Number		" Constant
+HiLink floatE			SpecialChar	" Statement
+"HiLink floatE		Number		" Constant
 
-  HiLink asm68kImmediate	SpecialChar	" Statement
-  "HiLink asm68kSymbol		Constant
+HiLink asm68kImmediate	SpecialChar	" Statement
+"HiLink asm68kSymbol		Constant
 
-  HiLink asm68kString		String		" Constant
-  HiLink asm68kCharError	Error
-  HiLink asm68kStringError	Error
+HiLink asm68kString		String		" Constant
+HiLink asm68kCharError	Error
+HiLink asm68kStringError	Error
 
-  HiLink asm68kReg		Identifier
-  HiLink asm68kOperator		Identifier
+HiLink asm68kReg		Identifier
+HiLink asm68kOperator		Identifier
 
-  HiLink asm68kInclude		Include		" PreProc
-  HiLink asm68kMacro		Macro		" PreProc
-  HiLink asm68kMacroParam	Keyword		" Statement
+HiLink asm68kInclude		Include		" PreProc
+HiLink asm68kMacro		Macro		" PreProc
+HiLink asm68kMacroParam	Keyword		" Statement
 
-  HiLink asm68kDirective	Special
-  HiLink asm68kPreCond		Special
+HiLink asm68kDirective	Special
+HiLink asm68kPreCond		Special
 
 
-  HiLink asm68kOpcode		Statement
-  HiLink asm68kCond		Conditional	" Statement
-  HiLink asm68kRepeat		Repeat		" Statement
+HiLink asm68kOpcode		Statement
+HiLink asm68kCond		Conditional	" Statement
+HiLink asm68kRepeat		Repeat		" Statement
 
-  HiLink asm68kLabel		Type
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink asm68kLabel		Type
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "asm68k"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/asmh8300.vim b/runtime/syntax/asmh8300.vim
index 48699d89c5..5134c512e7 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/asmh8300.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/asmh8300.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Kevin Dahlhausen <kdahlhaus@yahoo.com>
 " Last Change:	2002 Sep 19
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -52,33 +49,21 @@ syn case match
 
 
 " Read the general asm syntax
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/asm.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/asm.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/asm.vim
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_hitachi_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_hitachi_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink asmOpcode  Statement
-  HiLink asmRegister  Identifier
+HiLink asmOpcode  Statement
+HiLink asmRegister  Identifier
 
-  " My default-color overrides:
-  "hi asmOpcode ctermfg=yellow
-  "hi asmReg	ctermfg=lightmagenta
+" My default-color overrides:
+"hi asmOpcode ctermfg=yellow
+"hi asmReg	ctermfg=lightmagenta
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "asmh8300"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/asn.vim b/runtime/syntax/asn.vim
index 28c8efba95..8b553e884c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/asn.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/asn.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.fleiner.com/vim/syntax/asn.vim
 " Last Change:	2012 Oct 05
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -50,34 +47,26 @@ syn match asnBraces     "[{}]"
 syn sync ccomment asnComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_asn_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_asn_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink asnDefinition	Function
-  HiLink asnBraces		Function
-  HiLink asnStructure	Statement
-  HiLink asnBoolValue	Boolean
-  HiLink asnSpecial		Special
-  HiLink asnString		String
-  HiLink asnCharacter	Character
-  HiLink asnSpecialCharacter	asnSpecial
-  HiLink asnNumber		asnValue
-  HiLink asnComment		Comment
-  HiLink asnLineComment	asnComment
-  HiLink asnType		Type
-  HiLink asnTypeInfo		PreProc
-  HiLink asnValue		Number
-  HiLink asnExternal		Include
-  HiLink asnTagModifier	Function
-  HiLink asnFieldOption	Type
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink asnDefinition	Function
+HiLink asnBraces		Function
+HiLink asnStructure	Statement
+HiLink asnBoolValue	Boolean
+HiLink asnSpecial		Special
+HiLink asnString		String
+HiLink asnCharacter	Character
+HiLink asnSpecialCharacter	asnSpecial
+HiLink asnNumber		asnValue
+HiLink asnComment		Comment
+HiLink asnLineComment	asnComment
+HiLink asnType		Type
+HiLink asnTypeInfo		PreProc
+HiLink asnValue		Number
+HiLink asnExternal		Include
+HiLink asnTagModifier	Function
+HiLink asnFieldOption	Type
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let &cpo = s:cpo_save
 unlet s:cpo_save
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/aspperl.vim b/runtime/syntax/aspperl.vim
index 0f7ef46872..5a9abedb19 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/aspperl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/aspperl.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://nim.dhs.org/~edh/aspperl.vim
 " Last Change:	2001 May 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -16,14 +13,9 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax = 'perlscript'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-  syn include @AspPerlScript <sfile>:p:h/perl.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-  syn include @AspPerlScript syntax/perl.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
+syn include @AspPerlScript syntax/perl.vim
 
 syn cluster htmlPreproc add=AspPerlScriptInsideHtmlTags
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/aspvbs.vim b/runtime/syntax/aspvbs.vim
index f1435cb04b..07273e190b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/aspvbs.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/aspvbs.vim
@@ -11,10 +11,8 @@
 " Thanks to Dean Hall <hall@apt7.com> for testing the use of classes in
 " VBScripts which I've been too scared to do.
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -22,11 +20,7 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax = 'aspvbs'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syn cluster htmlPreProc add=AspVBScriptInsideHtmlTags
@@ -163,31 +157,23 @@ syn sync match htmlHighlight grouphere htmlTag "%>"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_aspvbs_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_aspvbs_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  "HiLink AspVBScript		Special
-  HiLink AspVBSLineNumber	Comment
-  HiLink AspVBSNumber		Number
-  HiLink AspVBSError		Error
-  HiLink AspVBSStatement	Statement
-  HiLink AspVBSString		String
-  HiLink AspVBSComment		Comment
-  HiLink AspVBSTodo		Todo
-  HiLink AspVBSFunction		Identifier
-  HiLink AspVBSMethods		PreProc
-  HiLink AspVBSEvents		Special
-  HiLink AspVBSTypeSpecifier	Type
+"HiLink AspVBScript		Special
+HiLink AspVBSLineNumber	Comment
+HiLink AspVBSNumber		Number
+HiLink AspVBSError		Error
+HiLink AspVBSStatement	Statement
+HiLink AspVBSString		String
+HiLink AspVBSComment		Comment
+HiLink AspVBSTodo		Todo
+HiLink AspVBSFunction		Identifier
+HiLink AspVBSMethods		PreProc
+HiLink AspVBSEvents		Special
+HiLink AspVBSTypeSpecifier	Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "aspvbs"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/asterisk.vim b/runtime/syntax/asterisk.vim
index fd4ec39c91..c562b85575 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/asterisk.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/asterisk.vim
@@ -5,10 +5,9 @@
 " Updated for 1.2 by Tilghman Lesher (Corydon76)
 " Last Change:	2015 Feb 27
 " version 0.4
-"
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -57,42 +56,35 @@ syn match       asteriskSetting         "^port\s*=\s*\d\{1,5}\s*$" contains=aste
 syn match       asteriskSetting         "^host\s*=\s*\(dynamic\|\(\d\{1,3}\.\d\{1,3}\.\d\{1,3}\.\d\{1,3}\)\|\([[:alnum:]][[:alnum:]\-\.]*\.[[:alpha:]]{2,10}\)\)" contains=asteriskIP,asteriskHostname
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_conf_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_conf_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+
+HiLink        asteriskComment		Comment
+HiLink        asteriskExten		String
+HiLink        asteriskContext         Preproc
+HiLink        asteriskPattern         Type
+HiLink        asteriskApp             Statement
+HiLink        asteriskInclude         Preproc
+HiLink        asteriskIncludeBad	Error
+HiLink        asteriskPriority        Preproc
+HiLink        asteriskLabel           Type
+HiLink        asteriskVar             String
+HiLink        asteriskVarLen          Function
+HiLink        asteriskExp             Type
+HiLink        asteriskCodecsPermit    Preproc
+HiLink        asteriskCodecs          String
+HiLink        asteriskType            Statement
+HiLink        asteriskTypeType        Type
+HiLink        asteriskAuth            String
+HiLink        asteriskAuthType        Type
+HiLink        asteriskIPRange         Identifier
+HiLink        asteriskIP              Identifier
+HiLink        asteriskPort            Identifier
+HiLink        asteriskHostname        Identifier
+HiLink        asteriskSetting         Statement
+HiLink        asteriskError           Error
+delcommand HiLink
 
-  HiLink        asteriskComment		Comment
-  HiLink        asteriskExten		String
-  HiLink        asteriskContext         Preproc
-  HiLink        asteriskPattern         Type
-  HiLink        asteriskApp             Statement
-  HiLink        asteriskInclude         Preproc
-  HiLink        asteriskIncludeBad	Error
-  HiLink        asteriskPriority        Preproc
-  HiLink        asteriskLabel           Type
-  HiLink        asteriskVar             String
-  HiLink        asteriskVarLen          Function
-  HiLink        asteriskExp             Type
-  HiLink        asteriskCodecsPermit    Preproc
-  HiLink        asteriskCodecs          String
-  HiLink        asteriskType            Statement
-  HiLink        asteriskTypeType        Type
-  HiLink        asteriskAuth            String
-  HiLink        asteriskAuthType        Type
-  HiLink        asteriskIPRange         Identifier
-  HiLink        asteriskIP              Identifier
-  HiLink        asteriskPort            Identifier
-  HiLink        asteriskHostname        Identifier
-  HiLink        asteriskSetting         Statement
-  HiLink        asteriskError           Error
- delcommand HiLink
-endif
 let b:current_syntax = "asterisk" 
 " vim: ts=8 sw=2
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/asteriskvm.vim b/runtime/syntax/asteriskvm.vim
index a6c9dba418..357b29936f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/asteriskvm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/asteriskvm.vim
@@ -3,10 +3,9 @@
 " Maintainer: Tilghman Lesher (Corydon76)
 " Last Change:	2006 Mar 21
 " version 0.2
-"
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -33,28 +32,20 @@ syn match       mailboxEmail            ",\zs[^@=,]*@[[:alnum:]\-\.]\+\.[[:alpha
 syn match       comma                   "[,|]" contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-:if version >= 508 || !exists("did_conf_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_conf_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink        asteriskvmComment Comment
-  HiLink        asteriskvmContext         Identifier
-  HiLink        asteriskvmZone            Type
-  HiLink        zoneName                String
-  HiLink        zoneDef                 String
-  HiLink        asteriskvmSetting         Type
-  HiLink        asteriskvmSettingBool     Type
+HiLink        asteriskvmComment Comment
+HiLink        asteriskvmContext         Identifier
+HiLink        asteriskvmZone            Type
+HiLink        zoneName                String
+HiLink        zoneDef                 String
+HiLink        asteriskvmSetting         Type
+HiLink        asteriskvmSettingBool     Type
 
-  HiLink        asteriskvmMailbox         Statement
-  HiLink        mailboxEmail            String
- delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink        asteriskvmMailbox         Statement
+HiLink        mailboxEmail            String
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "asteriskvm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/atlas.vim b/runtime/syntax/atlas.vim
index b8fe4356b5..30e136941f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/atlas.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/atlas.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Inaki Saez <jisaez@sfe.indra.es>
 " Last Change:	2001 May 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -61,37 +58,29 @@ syn sync maxlines=100
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_atlas_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_atlas_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink atlasConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink atlasRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink atlasStatement	Statement
-  HiLink atlasNumber		Number
-  HiLink atlasHexNumber	Number
-  HiLink atlasOctalNumber	Number
-  HiLink atlasBinNumber	Number
-  HiLink atlasDecimalNumber	Float
-  HiLink atlasFormatString	String
-  HiLink atlasString		String
-  HiLink atlasComment		Comment
-  HiLink atlasComment2		Comment
-  HiLink atlasInclude		Include
-  HiLink atlasDefine		Macro
-  HiLink atlasReserved		PreCondit
-  HiLink atlasStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink atlasIdentifier	NONE
-  HiLink atlasSpecial		Special
+HiLink atlasConditional	Conditional
+HiLink atlasRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink atlasStatement	Statement
+HiLink atlasNumber		Number
+HiLink atlasHexNumber	Number
+HiLink atlasOctalNumber	Number
+HiLink atlasBinNumber	Number
+HiLink atlasDecimalNumber	Float
+HiLink atlasFormatString	String
+HiLink atlasString		String
+HiLink atlasComment		Comment
+HiLink atlasComment2		Comment
+HiLink atlasInclude		Include
+HiLink atlasDefine		Macro
+HiLink atlasReserved		PreCondit
+HiLink atlasStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink atlasIdentifier	NONE
+HiLink atlasSpecial		Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "atlas"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/automake.vim b/runtime/syntax/automake.vim
index eea2a9f38c..b34f7516b2 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/automake.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/automake.vim
@@ -18,18 +18,12 @@
 " EXTRA_SOURCES.
 
 " Standard syntax initialization
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the Makefile syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/make.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/make.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/make.vim
 
 syn match automakePrimary "^\w\+\(_PROGRAMS\|_LIBRARIES\|_LISP\|_PYTHON\|_JAVA\|_SCRIPTS\|_DATA\|_HEADERS\|_MANS\|_TEXINFOS\|_LTLIBRARIES\)\s*\ze+\=="
 syn match automakePrimary "^TESTS\s*\ze+\=="me=e-1
@@ -59,34 +53,26 @@ syn region  automakeMakeSString start=+'+  skip=+\\'+  end=+'+  contains=makeIde
 syn region  automakeMakeBString start=+`+  skip=+\\`+  end=+`+  contains=makeIdent,makeSString,makeDString,makeNextLine,automakeSubstitution
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_automake_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_automake_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink automakePrimary     Statement
-  HiLink automakeSecondary   Type
-  HiLink automakeExtra       Special
-  HiLink automakeOptions     Special
-  HiLink automakeClean       Special
-  HiLink automakeSubdirs     Statement
-  HiLink automakeConditional PreProc
-  HiLink automakeSubst       PreProc
-  HiLink automakeComment1    makeComment
-  HiLink automakeComment2    makeComment
-  HiLink automakeMakeError   makeError
-  HiLink automakeBadSubst    makeError
-  HiLink automakeMakeDString makeDString
-  HiLink automakeMakeSString makeSString
-  HiLink automakeMakeBString makeBString
+HiLink automakePrimary     Statement
+HiLink automakeSecondary   Type
+HiLink automakeExtra       Special
+HiLink automakeOptions     Special
+HiLink automakeClean       Special
+HiLink automakeSubdirs     Statement
+HiLink automakeConditional PreProc
+HiLink automakeSubst       PreProc
+HiLink automakeComment1    makeComment
+HiLink automakeComment2    makeComment
+HiLink automakeMakeError   makeError
+HiLink automakeBadSubst    makeError
+HiLink automakeMakeDString makeDString
+HiLink automakeMakeSString makeSString
+HiLink automakeMakeBString makeBString
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "automake"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ave.vim b/runtime/syntax/ave.vim
index 2a0a9d85af..ae36939364 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ave.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ave.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 " I use some technologies to automatically load avenue scripts
 " into ArcView.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -59,34 +56,26 @@ syn match aveTypos	"=="
 syn match aveTypos	"!="
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting+yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ave_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-	let did_ave_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting+yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink aveStatement		Statement
+HiLink aveStatement		Statement
 
-  HiLink aveString		String
-  HiLink aveNumber		Number
+HiLink aveString		String
+HiLink aveNumber		Number
 
-  HiLink aveFixVariables	Special
-  HiLink aveVariables		Identifier
-  HiLink globalVariables	Special
-  HiLink aveConst		Special
+HiLink aveFixVariables	Special
+HiLink aveVariables		Identifier
+HiLink globalVariables	Special
+HiLink aveConst		Special
 
-  HiLink aveClassMethods	Function
+HiLink aveClassMethods	Function
 
-  HiLink aveOperator		Operator
-  HiLink aveComment		Comment
+HiLink aveOperator		Operator
+HiLink aveComment		Comment
 
-  HiLink aveTypos		Error
+HiLink aveTypos		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ave"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ayacc.vim b/runtime/syntax/ayacc.vim
index fedd0e80a0..9f5ec566ee 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ayacc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ayacc.vim
@@ -6,21 +6,14 @@
 " Comment:	     Replaced sourcing c.vim file by ada.vim and rename yacc*
 "		in ayacc*
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
 " Read the Ada syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-   so <sfile>:p:h/ada.vim
-else
-   runtime! syntax/ada.vim
-   unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/ada.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
@@ -54,35 +47,28 @@ syn match	ayaccSep	"^[ \t]*%}"
 syn match	ayaccCurlyError	"[{}]"
 syn region	ayaccAction	matchgroup=ayaccCurly start="{" end="}" contains=ALLBUT,@ayaccActionGroup
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ayacc_syntax_inits")
-   if version < 508
-      let did_ayacc_syntax_inits = 1
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " Internal ayacc highlighting links
-  HiLink ayaccBrkt	ayaccStmt
-  HiLink ayaccKey	ayaccStmt
-  HiLink ayaccOper	ayaccStmt
-  HiLink ayaccUnionStart	ayaccKey
+" Internal ayacc highlighting links
+HiLink ayaccBrkt	ayaccStmt
+HiLink ayaccKey	ayaccStmt
+HiLink ayaccOper	ayaccStmt
+HiLink ayaccUnionStart	ayaccKey
 
-  " External ayacc highlighting links
-  HiLink ayaccCurly	Delimiter
-  HiLink ayaccCurlyError	Error
-  HiLink ayaccDefinition	Function
-  HiLink ayaccDelim	Function
-  HiLink ayaccKeyActn	Special
-  HiLink ayaccSectionSep	Todo
-  HiLink ayaccSep	Delimiter
-  HiLink ayaccStmt	Statement
-  HiLink ayaccType	Type
+" External ayacc highlighting links
+HiLink ayaccCurly	Delimiter
+HiLink ayaccCurlyError	Error
+HiLink ayaccDefinition	Function
+HiLink ayaccDelim	Function
+HiLink ayaccKeyActn	Special
+HiLink ayaccSectionSep	Todo
+HiLink ayaccSep	Delimiter
+HiLink ayaccStmt	Statement
+HiLink ayaccType	Type
 
-  " since Bram doesn't like my Delimiter :|
-  HiLink Delimiter	Type
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" since Bram doesn't like my Delimiter :|
+HiLink Delimiter	Type
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ayacc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/b.vim b/runtime/syntax/b.vim
index b470ab9ef3..95f5ad7275 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/b.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/b.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " LastChange:	8 Dec 2007
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
@@ -69,58 +66,50 @@ syn region bPreProc		start="^\s*#\s*\(pragma\>\|line\>\|warning\>\|warn\>\|error
 syn sync ccomment bComment minlines=10
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_b_syntax_inits")
-   if version < 508
-      let did_b_syntax_inits = 1
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink bLabel	Label
-  HiLink bUserLabel	Label
-  HiLink bConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink bRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink bLogic	Special
-  HiLink bCharacter	Character
-  HiLink bSpecialCharacter bSpecial
-  HiLink bNumber	Number
-  HiLink bFloat	Float
-  HiLink bOctalError	bError
-  HiLink bParenError	bError
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink bLabel	Label
+HiLink bUserLabel	Label
+HiLink bConditional	Conditional
+HiLink bRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink bLogic	Special
+HiLink bCharacter	Character
+HiLink bSpecialCharacter bSpecial
+HiLink bNumber	Number
+HiLink bFloat	Float
+HiLink bOctalError	bError
+HiLink bParenError	bError
 " HiLink bInParen	bError
-  HiLink bCommentError	bError
-  HiLink bBoolean	Identifier
-  HiLink bConstant	Identifier
-  HiLink bGuard	Identifier
-  HiLink bOperator	Operator
-  HiLink bKeywords	Operator
-  HiLink bOps		Identifier
-  HiLink bStructure	Structure
-  HiLink bStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink bInclude	Include
-  HiLink bPreProc	PreProc
-  HiLink bDefine	Macro
-  HiLink bIncluded	bString
-  HiLink bError	Error
-  HiLink bStatement	Statement
-  HiLink bPreCondit	PreCondit
-  HiLink bType		Type
-  HiLink bCommentError	bError
-  HiLink bCommentString bString
-  HiLink bComment2String bString
-  HiLink bCommentSkip	bComment
-  HiLink bString	String
-  HiLink bComment	Comment
-  HiLink bSpecial	SpecialChar
-  HiLink bTodo		Todo
-  "hi link bIdentifier	Identifier
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink bCommentError	bError
+HiLink bBoolean	Identifier
+HiLink bConstant	Identifier
+HiLink bGuard	Identifier
+HiLink bOperator	Operator
+HiLink bKeywords	Operator
+HiLink bOps		Identifier
+HiLink bStructure	Structure
+HiLink bStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink bInclude	Include
+HiLink bPreProc	PreProc
+HiLink bDefine	Macro
+HiLink bIncluded	bString
+HiLink bError	Error
+HiLink bStatement	Statement
+HiLink bPreCondit	PreCondit
+HiLink bType		Type
+HiLink bCommentError	bError
+HiLink bCommentString bString
+HiLink bComment2String bString
+HiLink bCommentSkip	bComment
+HiLink bString	String
+HiLink bComment	Comment
+HiLink bSpecial	SpecialChar
+HiLink bTodo		Todo
+"hi link bIdentifier	Identifier
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "b"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/baan.vim b/runtime/syntax/baan.vim
index 5009218b60..917562bcf7 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/baan.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/baan.vim
@@ -4,15 +4,8 @@
 " Originally owned by: Erwin Smit / Her van de Vliert
 " Last change:  v1.17 2006/04/26 10:40:18
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-"
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-  if exists("baan_fold")
-	  unlet baan_fold
-  endif
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -1894,40 +1887,32 @@ syn keyword baanBshell bclm.productidlicensed
 syn keyword baanBshell bclm.set.desktop
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_baan_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_baan_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink baanConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink baan3gl		Statement
-  HiLink baan3glpre		PreProc
-  HiLink baan4gl		Statement
-  HiLink baan4glh		Statement
-  HiLink baansql		Statement
-  HiLink baansqlh		Statement
-  HiLink baanDalHook		Statement
-  HiLink baanNumber		Number
-  HiLink baanString		String
-  HiLink baanOpenStringError	Error
-  HiLink baanConstant		Constant
-  HiLink baanComment		Comment
-  HiLink baanCommenth		Comment
-  HiLink baanUncommented	Comment
-  HiLink baanDLLUsage		Comment
-  HiLink baanFunUsage		Comment
-  HiLink baanIdentifier		Normal
-  HiLink baanBshell		Function
-  HiLink baanType		Type
-  HiLink baanStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink baanConditional	Conditional
+HiLink baan3gl		Statement
+HiLink baan3glpre		PreProc
+HiLink baan4gl		Statement
+HiLink baan4glh		Statement
+HiLink baansql		Statement
+HiLink baansqlh		Statement
+HiLink baanDalHook		Statement
+HiLink baanNumber		Number
+HiLink baanString		String
+HiLink baanOpenStringError	Error
+HiLink baanConstant		Constant
+HiLink baanComment		Comment
+HiLink baanCommenth		Comment
+HiLink baanUncommented	Comment
+HiLink baanDLLUsage		Comment
+HiLink baanFunUsage		Comment
+HiLink baanIdentifier		Normal
+HiLink baanBshell		Function
+HiLink baanType		Type
+HiLink baanStorageClass	StorageClass
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "baan"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/basic.vim b/runtime/syntax/basic.vim
index c72032da27..6384913e39 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/basic.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/basic.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " This syntax file not a complete implementation yet.  Send suggestions to the
 " maintainer.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -143,34 +140,26 @@ syn match   basicFilenumber  "#\d\+"
 syn match   basicMathsOperator   "-\|=\|[:<>+\*^/\\]\|AND\|OR"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_basic_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_basic_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink basicLabel		Label
-  HiLink basicConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink basicRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink basicLineNumber	Comment
-  HiLink basicNumber		Number
-  HiLink basicError		Error
-  HiLink basicStatement	Statement
-  HiLink basicString		String
-  HiLink basicComment		Comment
-  HiLink basicSpecial		Special
-  HiLink basicTodo		Todo
-  HiLink basicFunction		Identifier
-  HiLink basicTypeSpecifier Type
-  HiLink basicFilenumber basicTypeSpecifier
-  "hi basicMathsOperator term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
+HiLink basicLabel		Label
+HiLink basicConditional	Conditional
+HiLink basicRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink basicLineNumber	Comment
+HiLink basicNumber		Number
+HiLink basicError		Error
+HiLink basicStatement	Statement
+HiLink basicString		String
+HiLink basicComment		Comment
+HiLink basicSpecial		Special
+HiLink basicTodo		Todo
+HiLink basicFunction		Identifier
+HiLink basicTypeSpecifier Type
+HiLink basicFilenumber basicTypeSpecifier
+"hi basicMathsOperator term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "basic"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/bc.vim b/runtime/syntax/bc.vim
index 965afc35b1..bf4a62afc9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/bc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/bc.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " 		(Dominique Pelle added @Spell)
 " Available on:	www.gjh.sk/~vlado/bc.vim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -53,27 +50,19 @@ syn match bcParenError			")"
 syn case match
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_bc_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_bc_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink bcKeyword		Statement
-  HiLink bcType		Type
-  HiLink bcConstant		Constant
-  HiLink bcNumber		Number
-  HiLink bcComment		Comment
-  HiLink bcString		String
-  HiLink bcSpecialChar		SpecialChar
-  HiLink bcParenError		Error
+HiLink bcKeyword		Statement
+HiLink bcType		Type
+HiLink bcConstant		Constant
+HiLink bcNumber		Number
+HiLink bcComment		Comment
+HiLink bcString		String
+HiLink bcSpecialChar		SpecialChar
+HiLink bcParenError		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "bc"
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/bib.vim b/runtime/syntax/bib.vim
index 8bd0528e1e..24b80b51b7 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/bib.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/bib.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 " Initialization
 " ==============
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -91,11 +88,7 @@ syn region bibField contained start="\S\+\s*=\s*" end=/[}),]/me=e-1 contains=bib
 syn region bibEntryData contained start=/[{(]/ms=e+1 end=/[})]/me=e-1 contains=bibKey,bibField
 " Actually, 5.8 <= Vim < 6.0 would ignore the `fold' keyword anyway, but Vim<5.8 would produce
 " an error, so we explicitly distinguish versions with and without folding functionality:
-if version < 600
-  syn region bibEntry start=/@\S\+\s*[{(]/ end=/^\s*[})]/ transparent contains=bibType,bibEntryData nextgroup=bibComment
-else
-  syn region bibEntry start=/@\S\+\s*[{(]/ end=/^\s*[})]/ transparent fold contains=bibType,bibEntryData nextgroup=bibComment
-endif
+syn region bibEntry start=/@\S\+\s*[{(]/ end=/^\s*[})]/ transparent fold contains=bibType,bibEntryData nextgroup=bibComment
 syn region bibComment2 start=/@Comment\s*[{(]/ end=/^\s*[})]/me=e-1 contains=@bibCommentContents nextgroup=bibEntry
 
 " Synchronization
@@ -107,25 +100,18 @@ syn sync minlines=50
 " Highlighting defaults
 " =====================
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_bib_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_bib_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink bibType	Identifier
-  HiLink bibEntryKw	Statement
-  HiLink bibNSEntryKw	PreProc
-  HiLink bibKey		Special
-  HiLink bibVariable	Constant
-  HiLink bibUnescapedSpecial	Error
-  HiLink bibComment	Comment
-  HiLink bibComment2	Comment
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+
+HiLink bibType	Identifier
+HiLink bibEntryKw	Statement
+HiLink bibNSEntryKw	PreProc
+HiLink bibKey		Special
+HiLink bibVariable	Constant
+HiLink bibUnescapedSpecial	Error
+HiLink bibComment	Comment
+HiLink bibComment2	Comment
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "bib"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/bindzone.vim b/runtime/syntax/bindzone.vim
index d599a85db2..f2372556b1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/bindzone.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/bindzone.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " 
 " $Id: bindzone.vim 12 2011-07-16 21:09:57Z julian $
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -70,40 +67,32 @@ syn region      zoneParen       contained start="(" end=")" contains=zoneSerial,
 syn match       zoneComment     /;.*/
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_bind_zone_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_bind_zone_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink zoneDirective    Macro
-  
-  HiLink zoneUnknown      Error
-  
-  HiLink zoneOrigin       Statement
-  HiLink zoneOwnerName    Statement
-  HiLink zoneDomain       Identifier
-  
-  HiLink zoneSpecial      Special
-  HiLink zoneTTL          Constant
-  HiLink zoneClass        Include
-  HiLink zoneRRType       Type
-  
-  HiLink zoneIPAddr       Number
-  HiLink zoneIP6Addr      Number
-  HiLink zoneText         String
-  HiLink zoneNumber       Number
-  HiLink zoneSerial       Special
-  
-  HiLink zoneErrParen     Error
-  HiLink zoneComment      Comment
+HiLink zoneDirective    Macro
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink zoneUnknown      Error
+
+HiLink zoneOrigin       Statement
+HiLink zoneOwnerName    Statement
+HiLink zoneDomain       Identifier
+
+HiLink zoneSpecial      Special
+HiLink zoneTTL          Constant
+HiLink zoneClass        Include
+HiLink zoneRRType       Type
+
+HiLink zoneIPAddr       Number
+HiLink zoneIP6Addr      Number
+HiLink zoneText         String
+HiLink zoneNumber       Number
+HiLink zoneSerial       Special
+
+HiLink zoneErrParen     Error
+HiLink zoneComment      Comment
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "bindzone"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/blank.vim b/runtime/syntax/blank.vim
index 60251c966c..53ef556a9f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/blank.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/blank.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:   Rafal M. Sulejman <unefunge@friko2.onet.pl>
 " Last change:  2011 Dec 28 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -28,22 +25,14 @@ syn match blankNumber "\[[0-9]\+\]"
 syn case match
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_blank_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_blank_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink blankInstruction      Statement
-  HiLink blankNumber	       Number
-  HiLink blankString	       String
+HiLink blankInstruction      Statement
+HiLink blankNumber	       Number
+HiLink blankString	       String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "blank"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/bst.vim b/runtime/syntax/bst.vim
index e7836d7811..995f1da464 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/bst.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/bst.vim
@@ -4,21 +4,12 @@
 " Filenames:    *.bst
 " $Id: bst.vim,v 1.2 2007/05/05 18:24:42 vimboss Exp $
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-    command -nargs=1 SetIsk set iskeyword=<args>
-else
-    command -nargs=1 SetIsk setlocal iskeyword=<args>
-endif
-SetIsk 48-57,#,$,',.,A-Z,a-z
-delcommand SetIsk
+setlocal iskeyword=48-57,#,$,',.,A-Z,a-z
 
 syn case ignore
 
@@ -62,27 +53,19 @@ syn keyword bstField          title type
 syn keyword bstField          volume year
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_bst_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-        let did_bst_syn_inits = 1
-        command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-        command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink bstComment           Comment
-    HiLink bstString            String
-    HiLink bstCommand           PreProc
-    HiLink bstBuiltIn           Statement
-    HiLink bstField             Special
-    HiLink bstNumber            Number
-    HiLink bstType              Type
-    HiLink bstIdentifier        Identifier
-    HiLink bstError             Error
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink bstComment           Comment
+HiLink bstString            String
+HiLink bstCommand           PreProc
+HiLink bstBuiltIn           Statement
+HiLink bstField             Special
+HiLink bstNumber            Number
+HiLink bstType              Type
+HiLink bstIdentifier        Identifier
+HiLink bstError             Error
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "bst"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/btm.vim b/runtime/syntax/btm.vim
index 4fd5b2db99..133a51b127 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/btm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/btm.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 "//- After unary operators like "defined" can assume token type.
 "//  Should there be more of these?
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -184,45 +181,37 @@ syn keyword btmCommand	unlock unset ver verify vol
 syn keyword btmCommand	vscrput y
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_btm_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_btm_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink btmLabel		Special
-  HiLink btmLabelMark		Special
-  HiLink btmCmdDivider		Special
-  HiLink btmConditional		btmStatement
-  HiLink btmDotBoolOp		btmStatement
-  HiLink btmRepeat		btmStatement
-  HiLink btmEchoCommand	btmStatement
-  HiLink btmEchoParam		btmStatement
-  HiLink btmStatement		Statement
-  HiLink btmTodo		Todo
-  HiLink btmString		String
-  HiLink btmNumber		Number
-  HiLink btmComment		Comment
-  HiLink btmArgument		Identifier
-  HiLink btmVariable		Identifier
-  HiLink btmEcho		String
-  HiLink btmBIFMatch		btmStatement
-  HiLink btmBuiltInFunc		btmStatement
-  HiLink btmBuiltInVar		btmStatement
-  HiLink btmSpecialVar		btmStatement
-  HiLink btmCommand		btmStatement
+HiLink btmLabel		Special
+HiLink btmLabelMark		Special
+HiLink btmCmdDivider		Special
+HiLink btmConditional		btmStatement
+HiLink btmDotBoolOp		btmStatement
+HiLink btmRepeat		btmStatement
+HiLink btmEchoCommand	btmStatement
+HiLink btmEchoParam		btmStatement
+HiLink btmStatement		Statement
+HiLink btmTodo		Todo
+HiLink btmString		String
+HiLink btmNumber		Number
+HiLink btmComment		Comment
+HiLink btmArgument		Identifier
+HiLink btmVariable		Identifier
+HiLink btmEcho		String
+HiLink btmBIFMatch		btmStatement
+HiLink btmBuiltInFunc		btmStatement
+HiLink btmBuiltInVar		btmStatement
+HiLink btmSpecialVar		btmStatement
+HiLink btmCommand		btmStatement
 
-  "optional highlighting
-  "HiLink btmShowTab		Error
-  "HiLink btmShowTabc		Error
-  "hiLink btmIdentifier		Identifier
+"optional highlighting
+"HiLink btmShowTab		Error
+"HiLink btmShowTabc		Error
+"hiLink btmIdentifier		Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "btm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/bzr.vim b/runtime/syntax/bzr.vim
index ef5445bf45..11450ba996 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/bzr.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/bzr.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 "    Gioele Barabucci
 "       for idea of diff highlighting
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -40,24 +37,16 @@ syn sync clear
 syn sync match bzrSync  grouphere bzrRegion "^-\{14} This line and the following will be ignored -\{14}$"me=s-1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already.
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_bzr_syn_inits")
-  if version <= 508
-    let did_bzr_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink bzrRemoved    Constant
-  HiLink bzrAdded      Identifier
-  HiLink bzrModified   Special
-  HiLink bzrRenamed    Special
-  HiLink bzrUnchanged  Special
-  HiLink bzrUnknown    Special
+HiLink bzrRemoved    Constant
+HiLink bzrAdded      Identifier
+HiLink bzrModified   Special
+HiLink bzrRenamed    Special
+HiLink bzrUnchanged  Special
+HiLink bzrUnknown    Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "bzr"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cabal.vim b/runtime/syntax/cabal.vim
index 4130bac894..0ba2704eba 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cabal.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cabal.vim
@@ -18,11 +18,8 @@
 " v1.0: Cabal syntax in vimball format
 "       (thanks to Magnus Therning)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -105,27 +102,19 @@ syn match	cabalStatement	"\ctype"
 syn match	cabalStatement	"\cversion"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cabal_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cabal_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink cabalVersion       Number
-  HiLink cabalTruth         Boolean
-  HiLink cabalComment       Comment
-  HiLink cabalStatement     Statement
-  HiLink cabalCategory      Type
-  HiLink cabalFunction      Function
-  HiLink cabalConditional   Conditional
-  HiLink cabalOperator      Operator
-  HiLink cabalCompiler      Constant
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink cabalVersion       Number
+HiLink cabalTruth         Boolean
+HiLink cabalComment       Comment
+HiLink cabalStatement     Statement
+HiLink cabalCategory      Type
+HiLink cabalFunction      Function
+HiLink cabalConditional   Conditional
+HiLink cabalOperator      Operator
+HiLink cabalCompiler      Constant
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cabal"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cfg.vim b/runtime/syntax/cfg.vim
index b82fb26fc0..c57b6f8711 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cfg.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cfg.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Igor N. Prischepoff (igor@tyumbit.ru, pri_igor@mail.ru)
 " Last change:	2012 Aug 11
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists ("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists ("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -36,25 +33,18 @@ syn match  CfgComment	";.*"
 syn match  CfgComment	"\/\/.*"
 
 " Define the default hightlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cfg_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_cfg_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
-    HiLink CfgOnOff     Label
-    HiLink CfgComment	Comment
-    HiLink CfgSection	Type
-    HiLink CfgString	String
-    HiLink CfgParams    Keyword
-    HiLink CfgValues    Constant
-    HiLink CfgDirectory Directory
-    HiLink UncPath      Directory
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink CfgOnOff     Label
+HiLink CfgComment	Comment
+HiLink CfgSection	Type
+HiLink CfgString	String
+HiLink CfgParams    Keyword
+HiLink CfgValues    Constant
+HiLink CfgDirectory Directory
+HiLink UncPath      Directory
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
 let b:current_syntax = "cfg"
 " vim:ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ch.vim b/runtime/syntax/ch.vim
index add7395093..05a1fcbdd6 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ch.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ch.vim
@@ -8,21 +8,14 @@
 " Ch is a C/C++ interpreter with many high level extensions
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/c.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/c.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/c.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " Ch extentions
 
@@ -33,20 +26,14 @@ syn keyword	chStructure	class
 syn keyword	chType		string_t array
 
 " Default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ch_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ch_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink chAccess		chStatement
-  HiLink chExceptions		Exception
-  HiLink chStatement		Statement
-  HiLink chType			Type
-  HiLink chStructure		Structure
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+
+HiLink chAccess		chStatement
+HiLink chExceptions		Exception
+HiLink chStatement		Statement
+HiLink chType			Type
+HiLink chStructure		Structure
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ch"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/change.vim b/runtime/syntax/change.vim
index e9bf88b9d6..ae90f348bf 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/change.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/change.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " in the articles by Donald E. Knuth and Silvio Levy cited in "web.vim" and
 " "cweb.vim" respectively.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -21,21 +18,13 @@ syn region changeFromMaterial start="^@x.*$"ms=e+1 end="^@y.*$"me=s-1
 syn region changeToMaterial start="^@y.*$"ms=e+1 end="^@z.*$"me=s-1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_change_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_change_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink changeFromMaterial String
-  HiLink changeToMaterial Statement
+HiLink changeFromMaterial String
+HiLink changeToMaterial Statement
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "change"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/changelog.vim b/runtime/syntax/changelog.vim
index 33d31ba466..fc55fb528f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/changelog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/changelog.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Corinna Vinschen <vinschen@redhat.com>
 " Last Change:	June 1, 2003
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -28,17 +25,12 @@ endif
 
 syn match	changelogText	"^\s.*$" contains=changelogMail,changelogNumber,changelogMonth,changelogDay,changelogError
 syn match	changelogHeader	"^\S.*$" contains=changelogNumber,changelogMonth,changelogDay,changelogMail
-if version < 600
-  syn region	changelogFiles	start="^\s\+[+*]\s" end=":\s" end="^$" contains=changelogBullet,changelogColon,changelogError keepend
-  syn region	changelogFiles	start="^\s\+[([]" end=":\s" end="^$" contains=changelogBullet,changelogColon,changelogError keepend
-  syn match	changelogColon	contained ":\s"
-else
-  syn region	changelogFiles	start="^\s\+[+*]\s" end=":" end="^$" contains=changelogBullet,changelogColon,changelogFuncs,changelogError keepend
-  syn region	changelogFiles	start="^\s\+[([]" end=":" end="^$" contains=changelogBullet,changelogColon,changelogFuncs,changelogError keepend
-  syn match	changelogFuncs  contained "(.\{-})" extend
-  syn match	changelogFuncs  contained "\[.\{-}]" extend
-  syn match	changelogColon	contained ":"
-endif
+syn region	changelogFiles	start="^\s\+[+*]\s" end=":" end="^$" contains=changelogBullet,changelogColon,changelogFuncs,changelogError keepend
+syn region	changelogFiles	start="^\s\+[([]" end=":" end="^$" contains=changelogBullet,changelogColon,changelogFuncs,changelogError keepend
+syn match	changelogFuncs  contained "(.\{-})" extend
+syn match	changelogFuncs  contained "\[.\{-}]" extend
+syn match	changelogColon	contained ":"
+
 syn match	changelogBullet	contained "^\s\+[+*]\s" contains=changelogError
 syn match	changelogMail	contained "<[A-Za-z0-9\._:+-]\+@[A-Za-z0-9\._-]\+>"
 syn keyword	changelogMonth	contained jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec
@@ -46,32 +38,22 @@ syn keyword	changelogDay	contained mon tue wed thu fri sat sun
 syn match	changelogNumber	contained "[.-]*[0-9]\+"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_changelog_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_changelog_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink changelogText		Normal
-  HiLink changelogBullet	Type
-  HiLink changelogColon		Type
-  HiLink changelogFiles		Comment
-  if version >= 600
-    HiLink changelogFuncs	Comment
-  endif
-  HiLink changelogHeader	Statement
-  HiLink changelogMail		Special
-  HiLink changelogNumber	Number
-  HiLink changelogMonth		Number
-  HiLink changelogDay		Number
-  HiLink changelogError		Folded
+HiLink changelogText		Normal
+HiLink changelogBullet	Type
+HiLink changelogColon		Type
+HiLink changelogFiles		Comment
+HiLink changelogFuncs	Comment
+HiLink changelogHeader	Statement
+HiLink changelogMail		Special
+HiLink changelogNumber	Number
+HiLink changelogMonth		Number
+HiLink changelogDay		Number
+HiLink changelogError		Folded
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "changelog"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/chaskell.vim b/runtime/syntax/chaskell.vim
index 3f764d0e8a..4b1e8c53be 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/chaskell.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/chaskell.vim
@@ -9,10 +9,6 @@
 let b:hs_chs=1
 
 " Include standard Haskell highlighting
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/haskell.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/haskell.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/haskell.vim
 
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cheetah.vim b/runtime/syntax/cheetah.vim
index 7eb17567cf..c1860def3c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cheetah.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cheetah.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 "  PSP-style tags: <% .. %> (obsoleted feature)
 "  doc-strings and header comments (rarely used feature)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -36,25 +33,17 @@ syn match   cheetahComment "##.*$" display
 syn region  cheetahMultiLineComment start="#\*" end="\*#"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cheetah_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_cheetah_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink cheetahPlaceHolder Identifier
-	HiLink cheetahDirective PreCondit
-	HiLink cheetahKeyword Define
-	HiLink cheetahContinuation Special
-	HiLink cheetahComment Comment
-	HiLink cheetahMultiLineComment Comment
+HiLink cheetahPlaceHolder Identifier
+HiLink cheetahDirective PreCondit
+HiLink cheetahKeyword Define
+HiLink cheetahContinuation Special
+HiLink cheetahComment Comment
+HiLink cheetahMultiLineComment Comment
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cheetah"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/chill.vim b/runtime/syntax/chill.vim
index e5200fe722..6ccb32c4c3 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/chill.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/chill.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 " & Communications LTd.)
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -124,67 +121,59 @@ endif
 exec "syn sync ccomment chillComment minlines=" . chill_minlines
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ch_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ch_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink chillLabel	Label
-  HiLink chillUserLabel	Label
-  HiLink chillConditional	Conditional
-  " hi chillConditional	term=bold ctermfg=red guifg=red gui=bold
+HiLink chillLabel	Label
+HiLink chillUserLabel	Label
+HiLink chillConditional	Conditional
+" hi chillConditional	term=bold ctermfg=red guifg=red gui=bold
 
-  HiLink chillRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink chillProcess	Repeat
-  HiLink chillSignal	Repeat
-  HiLink chillCharacter	Character
-  HiLink chillSpecialCharacter chillSpecial
-  HiLink chillNumber	Number
-  HiLink chillFloat	Float
-  HiLink chillOctalError	chillError
-  HiLink chillParenError	chillError
-  HiLink chillInParen	chillError
-  HiLink chillCommentError	chillError
-  HiLink chillSpaceError	chillError
-  HiLink chillOperator	Operator
-  HiLink chillStructure	Structure
-  HiLink chillBlock	Operator
-  HiLink chillScope	Operator
-  "hi chillEDML     term=underline ctermfg=DarkRed guifg=Red
-  HiLink chillEDML	PreProc
-  "hi chillBoolConst	term=bold ctermfg=brown guifg=brown
-  HiLink chillBoolConst	Constant
-  "hi chillLogical	term=bold ctermfg=brown guifg=brown
-  HiLink chillLogical	Constant
-  HiLink chillStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink chillInclude	Include
-  HiLink chillPreProc	PreProc
-  HiLink chillDefine	Macro
-  HiLink chillIncluded	chillString
-  HiLink chillError	Error
-  HiLink chillStatement	Statement
-  HiLink chillPreCondit	PreCondit
-  HiLink chillType	Type
-  HiLink chillCommentError	chillError
-  HiLink chillCommentString chillString
-  HiLink chillComment2String chillString
-  HiLink chillCommentSkip	chillComment
-  HiLink chillString	String
-  HiLink chillComment	Comment
-  " hi chillComment	term=None ctermfg=lightblue guifg=lightblue
-  HiLink chillSpecial	SpecialChar
-  HiLink chillTodo	Todo
-  HiLink chillBlock	Statement
-  "HiLink chillIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink chillBracket	Delimiter
+HiLink chillRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink chillProcess	Repeat
+HiLink chillSignal	Repeat
+HiLink chillCharacter	Character
+HiLink chillSpecialCharacter chillSpecial
+HiLink chillNumber	Number
+HiLink chillFloat	Float
+HiLink chillOctalError	chillError
+HiLink chillParenError	chillError
+HiLink chillInParen	chillError
+HiLink chillCommentError	chillError
+HiLink chillSpaceError	chillError
+HiLink chillOperator	Operator
+HiLink chillStructure	Structure
+HiLink chillBlock	Operator
+HiLink chillScope	Operator
+"hi chillEDML     term=underline ctermfg=DarkRed guifg=Red
+HiLink chillEDML	PreProc
+"hi chillBoolConst	term=bold ctermfg=brown guifg=brown
+HiLink chillBoolConst	Constant
+"hi chillLogical	term=bold ctermfg=brown guifg=brown
+HiLink chillLogical	Constant
+HiLink chillStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink chillInclude	Include
+HiLink chillPreProc	PreProc
+HiLink chillDefine	Macro
+HiLink chillIncluded	chillString
+HiLink chillError	Error
+HiLink chillStatement	Statement
+HiLink chillPreCondit	PreCondit
+HiLink chillType	Type
+HiLink chillCommentError	chillError
+HiLink chillCommentString chillString
+HiLink chillComment2String chillString
+HiLink chillCommentSkip	chillComment
+HiLink chillString	String
+HiLink chillComment	Comment
+" hi chillComment	term=None ctermfg=lightblue guifg=lightblue
+HiLink chillSpecial	SpecialChar
+HiLink chillTodo	Todo
+HiLink chillBlock	Statement
+"HiLink chillIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink chillBracket	Delimiter
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "chill"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cl.vim b/runtime/syntax/cl.vim
index 41c045fb09..057d005cae 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cl.vim
@@ -10,19 +10,12 @@
 " Version:              6
 " Last Change:		Mar 06 2013
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-	setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
-else
-	set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
 
 syn case ignore
 
@@ -75,40 +68,32 @@ syn keyword	clFunction	asc asize chr name random slen srandom day getarg getcgi
 syn keyword	clStatement	clear clear_eol clear_eos close copy create unique with where empty define define ldefine delay_form delete escape exit_block exit_do exit_process field fork format get getfile getnext getprev goto head join maintain message no_join on_eop on_key on_exit on_delete openin openout openapp pause popenin popenout popenio print put range read redisplay refresh restart_block screen select sleep text unlock write and not or do
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if	version >= 508 || !exists("did_cl_syntax_inits")
-	if	version < 508
-		let did_cl_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink clifError	Error
-	HiLink clSpaceError	Error
-	HiLink clWhile		Repeat
-	HiLink clConditional	Conditional
-	HiLink clDebug		Debug
-	HiLink clNeedsWork	Todo
-	HiLink clTodo		Todo
-	HiLink clComment	Comment
-	HiLink clProcedure	Procedure
-	HiLink clBreak		Procedure
-	HiLink clInclude	Include
-	HiLink clSetOption	Statement
-	HiLink clSet		Identifier
-	HiLink clPreProc	PreProc
-	HiLink clOperator	Operator
-	HiLink clNumber		Number
-	HiLink clString		String
-	HiLink clQuote		Delimiter
-	HiLink clReserved	Identifier
-	HiLink clFunction	Function
-	HiLink clStatement	Statement
+HiLink clifError	Error
+HiLink clSpaceError	Error
+HiLink clWhile		Repeat
+HiLink clConditional	Conditional
+HiLink clDebug		Debug
+HiLink clNeedsWork	Todo
+HiLink clTodo		Todo
+HiLink clComment	Comment
+HiLink clProcedure	Procedure
+HiLink clBreak		Procedure
+HiLink clInclude	Include
+HiLink clSetOption	Statement
+HiLink clSet		Identifier
+HiLink clPreProc	PreProc
+HiLink clOperator	Operator
+HiLink clNumber		Number
+HiLink clString		String
+HiLink clQuote		Delimiter
+HiLink clReserved	Identifier
+HiLink clFunction	Function
+HiLink clStatement	Statement
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/clean.vim b/runtime/syntax/clean.vim
index ea95aa209e..13ddfaba3c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/clean.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/clean.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Co-Author:	Arthur van Leeuwen <arthurvl@sci.kun.nl>
 " Last Change:	2013 Oct 15 by Jurriën Stutterheim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -52,49 +49,41 @@ syn match cleanFuncTypeDef "\([a-zA-Z].*\|(\=[-~@#$%^?!+*<>\/|&=:]\+)\=\)\s*\(in
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_clean_syntax_init")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_clean_syntax_init = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-   " Comments
-   HiLink cleanComment      Comment
-   " Constants and denotations
-   HiLink cleanStringDenot  String
-   HiLink cleanCharDenot    Character
-   HiLink cleanIntegerDenot Number
-   HiLink cleanBoolDenot    Boolean
-   HiLink cleanRealDenot    Float
-   " Identifiers
-   " Statements
-   HiLink cleanTypeClass    Keyword
-   HiLink cleanConditional  Conditional
-   HiLink cleanLabel		Label
-   HiLink cleanKeyword      Keyword
-   " Generic Preprocessing
-   HiLink cleanIncludeKeyword      Include
-   HiLink cleanModuleSystem PreProc
-   " Type
-   HiLink cleanBasicType    Type
-   HiLink cleanSpecialType  Type
-   HiLink cleanFuncTypeDef  Typedef
-   " Special
-   HiLink cleanSpecial      Special
-   HiLink cleanList			Special
-   HiLink cleanArray		Special
-   HiLink cleanRecord		Special
-   HiLink cleanTuple		Special
-   " Error
-   " Todo
-   HiLink cleanTodo         Todo
+ " Comments
+ HiLink cleanComment      Comment
+ " Constants and denotations
+ HiLink cleanStringDenot  String
+ HiLink cleanCharDenot    Character
+ HiLink cleanIntegerDenot Number
+ HiLink cleanBoolDenot    Boolean
+ HiLink cleanRealDenot    Float
+ " Identifiers
+ " Statements
+ HiLink cleanTypeClass    Keyword
+ HiLink cleanConditional  Conditional
+ HiLink cleanLabel		Label
+ HiLink cleanKeyword      Keyword
+ " Generic Preprocessing
+ HiLink cleanIncludeKeyword      Include
+ HiLink cleanModuleSystem PreProc
+ " Type
+ HiLink cleanBasicType    Type
+ HiLink cleanSpecialType  Type
+ HiLink cleanFuncTypeDef  Typedef
+ " Special
+ HiLink cleanSpecial      Special
+ HiLink cleanList			Special
+ HiLink cleanArray		Special
+ HiLink cleanRecord		Special
+ HiLink cleanTuple		Special
+ " Error
+ " Todo
+ HiLink cleanTodo         Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "clean"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/clipper.vim b/runtime/syntax/clipper.vim
index 6ee3892845..4eb7db2f7a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/clipper.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/clipper.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Some things based on c.vim by Bram Moolenaar and pascal.vim by Mario Eusebio
 " Last Change:	2011 Dec 29 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -114,32 +111,24 @@ syntax match clipperComment		"^\*.*"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_clipper_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_clipper_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink clipperConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink clipperRepeat			Repeat
-  HiLink clipperNumber			Number
-  HiLink clipperInclude		Include
-  HiLink clipperComment		Comment
-  HiLink clipperOperator		Operator
-  HiLink clipperStorageClass		StorageClass
-  HiLink clipperStatement		Statement
-  HiLink clipperString			String
-  HiLink clipperFunction		Function
-  HiLink clipperLineContinuation	Special
-  HiLink clipperDelimiters		Delimiter
-  HiLink clipperUserVariable		Identifier
+HiLink clipperConditional		Conditional
+HiLink clipperRepeat			Repeat
+HiLink clipperNumber			Number
+HiLink clipperInclude		Include
+HiLink clipperComment		Comment
+HiLink clipperOperator		Operator
+HiLink clipperStorageClass		StorageClass
+HiLink clipperStatement		Statement
+HiLink clipperString			String
+HiLink clipperFunction		Function
+HiLink clipperLineContinuation	Special
+HiLink clipperDelimiters		Delimiter
+HiLink clipperUserVariable		Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "clipper"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cmake.vim b/runtime/syntax/cmake.vim
index 4586940c5e..8e73e329e0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cmake.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cmake.vim
@@ -12,11 +12,8 @@
 "               http://www.cmake.org/HTML/Copyright.html
 "               This implies that distribution with Vim is allowed
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 let s:keepcpo= &cpo
@@ -52,32 +49,24 @@ syn keyword cmakeTodo
             \ contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cmake_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cmake_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink cmakeStatement Statement
-  HiLink cmakeComment Comment
-  HiLink cmakeString String
-  HiLink cmakeVariableValue Type
-  HiLink cmakeRegistry Underlined
-  HiLink cmakeArguments Identifier
-  HiLink cmakeArgument Constant
-  HiLink cmakeEnvironment Special
-  HiLink cmakeOperators Operator
-  HiLink cmakeMacro PreProc
-  HiLink cmakeError Error
-  HiLink cmakeTodo TODO
-  HiLink cmakeEscaped Special
+HiLink cmakeStatement Statement
+HiLink cmakeComment Comment
+HiLink cmakeString String
+HiLink cmakeVariableValue Type
+HiLink cmakeRegistry Underlined
+HiLink cmakeArguments Identifier
+HiLink cmakeArgument Constant
+HiLink cmakeEnvironment Special
+HiLink cmakeOperators Operator
+HiLink cmakeMacro PreProc
+HiLink cmakeError Error
+HiLink cmakeTodo TODO
+HiLink cmakeEscaped Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cmake"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cobol.vim b/runtime/syntax/cobol.vim
index 51ca3d8773..a63e8b3873 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cobol.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cobol.vim
@@ -6,20 +6,13 @@
 "               James Mitchell <james_mitchell@acm.org>)
 " Last Change:  2015 Feb 13
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " MOST important - else most of the keywords wont work!
-if version < 600
-  set isk=@,48-57,-
-else
-  setlocal isk=@,48-57,-
-endif
+setlocal isk=@,48-57,-
 
 syn case ignore
 
@@ -157,52 +150,44 @@ else
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cobol_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cobol_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink cobolBAD      Error
-  HiLink cobolBadID    Error
-  HiLink cobolBadLine  Error
-  if exists("g:cobol_legacy_code")
-      HiLink cobolMarker   Comment
-  else
-      HiLink cobolMarker   Error
-  endif
-  HiLink cobolCALLs    Function
-  HiLink cobolComment  Comment
-  HiLink cobolKeys     Comment
-  HiLink cobolAreaB    Special
-  HiLink cobolCompiler PreProc
-  HiLink cobolCondFlow Special
-  HiLink cobolCopy     PreProc
-  HiLink cobolDeclA    cobolDecl
-  HiLink cobolDecl     Type
-  HiLink cobolExtras   Special
-  HiLink cobolGoTo     Special
-  HiLink cobolConstant Constant
-  HiLink cobolNumber   Constant
-  HiLink cobolPic      Constant
-  HiLink cobolReserved Statement
-  HiLink cobolDivision Label
-  HiLink cobolSection  Label
-  HiLink cobolParagraph Label
-  HiLink cobolDivisionName  Keyword
-  HiLink cobolSectionName   Keyword
-  HiLink cobolParagraphName Keyword
-  HiLink cobolString   Constant
-  HiLink cobolTodo     Todo
-  HiLink cobolWatch    Special
-  HiLink cobolIndicator Special
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+HiLink cobolBAD      Error
+HiLink cobolBadID    Error
+HiLink cobolBadLine  Error
+if exists("g:cobol_legacy_code")
+    HiLink cobolMarker   Comment
+else
+    HiLink cobolMarker   Error
 endif
+HiLink cobolCALLs    Function
+HiLink cobolComment  Comment
+HiLink cobolKeys     Comment
+HiLink cobolAreaB    Special
+HiLink cobolCompiler PreProc
+HiLink cobolCondFlow Special
+HiLink cobolCopy     PreProc
+HiLink cobolDeclA    cobolDecl
+HiLink cobolDecl     Type
+HiLink cobolExtras   Special
+HiLink cobolGoTo     Special
+HiLink cobolConstant Constant
+HiLink cobolNumber   Constant
+HiLink cobolPic      Constant
+HiLink cobolReserved Statement
+HiLink cobolDivision Label
+HiLink cobolSection  Label
+HiLink cobolParagraph Label
+HiLink cobolDivisionName  Keyword
+HiLink cobolSectionName   Keyword
+HiLink cobolParagraphName Keyword
+HiLink cobolString   Constant
+HiLink cobolTodo     Todo
+HiLink cobolWatch    Special
+HiLink cobolIndicator Special
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cobol"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/coco.vim b/runtime/syntax/coco.vim
index 4094a55303..ae32348bcb 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/coco.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/coco.vim
@@ -5,9 +5,8 @@
 " Remark:       Coco/R syntax partially implemented.
 " License:      Vim license
 
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/config.vim b/runtime/syntax/config.vim
index cd83b24352..1bb5c2f3e9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/config.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/config.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 " script, so I wrote this quick and dirty patch.
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -37,28 +34,20 @@ syn region  configstring matchgroup=configfunction start="AC_MSG_[A-Z]*\ze(\[" m
 syn region  configstring matchgroup=configfunction start="AC_MSG_[A-Z]*\ze([^[]" matchgroup=configdelimiter end=")" contains=configdelimiter,@Spell
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_config_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_config_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink configdelimiter Delimiter
-  HiLink configoperator  Operator
-  HiLink configcomment   Comment
-  HiLink configDnl  	 Comment
-  HiLink configfunction  Function
-  HiLink confignumber    Number
-  HiLink configkeyword   Keyword
-  HiLink configspecial   Special
-  HiLink configstring    String
+HiLink configdelimiter Delimiter
+HiLink configoperator  Operator
+HiLink configcomment   Comment
+HiLink configDnl  	 Comment
+HiLink configfunction  Function
+HiLink confignumber    Number
+HiLink configkeyword   Keyword
+HiLink configspecial   Special
+HiLink configstring    String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "config"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cpp.vim b/runtime/syntax/cpp.vim
index fefd0ff7b0..be7381ea6a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cpp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cpp.vim
@@ -4,21 +4,14 @@
 " Previous Maintainer:	Ken Shan <ccshan@post.harvard.edu>
 " Last Change:	2016 Jul 07
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/c.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/c.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/c.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " C++ extensions
 syn keyword cppStatement	new delete this friend using
@@ -60,29 +53,22 @@ endif
 syn match cppMinMax "[<>]?"
 
 " Default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cpp_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cpp_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink cppAccess		cppStatement
-  HiLink cppCast		cppStatement
-  HiLink cppExceptions		Exception
-  HiLink cppOperator		Operator
-  HiLink cppStatement		Statement
-  HiLink cppModifier		Type
-  HiLink cppType		Type
-  HiLink cppStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink cppStructure		Structure
-  HiLink cppBoolean		Boolean
-  HiLink cppConstant		Constant
-  HiLink cppRawStringDelimiter	Delimiter
-  HiLink cppRawString		String
-  HiLink cppNumber		Number
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink cppAccess		cppStatement
+HiLink cppCast		cppStatement
+HiLink cppExceptions		Exception
+HiLink cppOperator		Operator
+HiLink cppStatement		Statement
+HiLink cppModifier		Type
+HiLink cppType		Type
+HiLink cppStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink cppStructure		Structure
+HiLink cppBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink cppConstant		Constant
+HiLink cppRawStringDelimiter	Delimiter
+HiLink cppRawString		String
+HiLink cppNumber		Number
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cpp"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/crontab.vim b/runtime/syntax/crontab.vim
index fd1c30023f..ed20254925 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/crontab.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/crontab.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 " crontab line format:
 " Minutes   Hours   Days   Months   Days_of_Week   Commands # comments
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -39,41 +36,33 @@ syntax match crontabCmnt "^\s*#.*" contains=@Spell
 syntax match crontabPercent "[^\\]%.*"lc=1 contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_crontab_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_crontab_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink crontabMin		Number
-	HiLink crontabHr		PreProc
-	HiLink crontabDay		Type
+HiLink crontabMin		Number
+HiLink crontabHr		PreProc
+HiLink crontabDay		Type
 
-	HiLink crontabMnth		Number
-	HiLink crontabMnth12		Number
-	HiLink crontabMnthS		Number
-	HiLink crontabMnthN		Number
+HiLink crontabMnth		Number
+HiLink crontabMnth12		Number
+HiLink crontabMnthS		Number
+HiLink crontabMnthN		Number
 
-	HiLink crontabDow		PreProc
-	HiLink crontabDow7		PreProc
-	HiLink crontabDowS		PreProc
-	HiLink crontabDowN		PreProc
+HiLink crontabDow		PreProc
+HiLink crontabDow7		PreProc
+HiLink crontabDowS		PreProc
+HiLink crontabDowN		PreProc
 
-	HiLink crontabNick		Special
-	HiLink crontabVar		Identifier
-	HiLink crontabPercent		Special
+HiLink crontabNick		Special
+HiLink crontabVar		Identifier
+HiLink crontabPercent		Special
 
 " comment out next line for to suppress unix commands coloring.
-	HiLink crontabCmd		Statement
+HiLink crontabCmd		Statement
 
-	HiLink crontabCmnt		Comment
+HiLink crontabCmnt		Comment
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "crontab"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/csc.vim b/runtime/syntax/csc.vim
index 5493b17f5f..f4ce62c876 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/csc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/csc.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Raul Segura Acevedo <raulseguraaceved@netscape.net>
 " Last change:	2011 Dec 25 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -145,7 +142,7 @@ sy	match	cscBPMacro	contained	"!"
 sy	match	cscBPW	"!\s*\a*"	contains=cscBPmacro
 
 " when wanted, highlighting lhs members or erros in asignments (may lag the editing)
-if version >= 600 && exists("csc_asignment")
+if exists("csc_asignment")
 	sy	match	cscEqError	'\("[^"]*"\s*\|[^][\t !%()*+,--/:;<=>{}~]\+\s*\|->\s*\)*=\([^=]\@=\|$\)'
 	sy	region	cscFormula	transparent matchgroup=cscVarName start='\("[^"]*"\|[^][\t !%()*+,--/:;<=>{}~]\+\)\s*=\([^=]\@=\|\n\)' skip='"[^"]*"' end=';' contains=ALLBUT,cscFormula,cscFormulaIn,cscBPMacro,cscCondition
 	sy	region	cscFormulaIn	matchgroup=cscVarName transparent start='\("[^"]*"\|[^][\t !%()*+,--/:;<=>{}~]\+\)\(->\("[^"]*"\|[^][\t !%()*+,--/:;<=>{}~]\+\)\)*\s*=\([^=]\@=\|$\)' skip='"[^"]*"' end=';' contains=ALLBUT,cscFormula,cscFormulaIn,cscBPMacro,cscCondition contained
@@ -158,44 +155,36 @@ endif
 exec "sy sync ccomment cscComment minlines=" . csc_minlines
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_csc_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_csc_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	hi cscVarName term=bold ctermfg=9 gui=bold guifg=blue
+hi cscVarName term=bold ctermfg=9 gui=bold guifg=blue
 
-	HiLink	cscNumber	Number
-	HiLink	cscOctal	Number
-	HiLink	cscFloat	Float
-	HiLink	cscParenE	Error
-	HiLink	cscCommentE	Error
-	HiLink	cscSpaceE	Error
-	HiLink	cscError	Error
-	HiLink	cscString	String
-	HiLink	cscComment	Comment
-	HiLink	cscTodo		Todo
-	HiLink	cscStatement	Statement
-	HiLink	cscIfError	Error
-	HiLink	cscEqError	Error
-	HiLink	cscFunction	Statement
-	HiLink	cscCondition	Statement
-	HiLink	cscWarn		WarningMsg
+HiLink	cscNumber	Number
+HiLink	cscOctal	Number
+HiLink	cscFloat	Float
+HiLink	cscParenE	Error
+HiLink	cscCommentE	Error
+HiLink	cscSpaceE	Error
+HiLink	cscError	Error
+HiLink	cscString	String
+HiLink	cscComment	Comment
+HiLink	cscTodo		Todo
+HiLink	cscStatement	Statement
+HiLink	cscIfError	Error
+HiLink	cscEqError	Error
+HiLink	cscFunction	Statement
+HiLink	cscCondition	Statement
+HiLink	cscWarn		WarningMsg
 
-	HiLink	cscComE	Error
-	HiLink	cscCom	Statement
-	HiLink	cscComW	WarningMsg
+HiLink	cscComE	Error
+HiLink	cscCom	Statement
+HiLink	cscComW	WarningMsg
 
-	HiLink	cscBPMacro	Identifier
-	HiLink	cscBPW		WarningMsg
+HiLink	cscBPMacro	Identifier
+HiLink	cscBPW		WarningMsg
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "csc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/csh.vim b/runtime/syntax/csh.vim
index 9dc2c4ef56..973a3550dc 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/csh.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/csh.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Version:	11
 " URL:	http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#SYNTAX_CSH
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -100,60 +97,47 @@ syn match cshNumber	"-\=\<\d\+\>"
 "syn match cshIdentifier	"\<[a-zA-Z._][a-zA-Z0-9._]*\>"
 
 " Shell Input Redirection (Here Documents)
-if version < 600
-  syn region cshHereDoc matchgroup=cshRedir start="<<-\=\s*\**END[a-zA-Z_0-9]*\**" matchgroup=cshRedir end="^END[a-zA-Z_0-9]*$"
-  syn region cshHereDoc matchgroup=cshRedir start="<<-\=\s*\**EOF\**" matchgroup=cshRedir end="^EOF$"
-else
-  syn region cshHereDoc matchgroup=cshRedir start="<<-\=\s*\**\z(\h\w*\)\**" matchgroup=cshRedir end="^\z1$"
-endif
+syn region cshHereDoc matchgroup=cshRedir start="<<-\=\s*\**\z(\h\w*\)\**" matchgroup=cshRedir end="^\z1$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_csh_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_csh_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink cshArgv		cshVariables
-  HiLink cshBckQuote	cshCommand
-  HiLink cshDblQuote	cshString
-  HiLink cshExtVar	cshVariables
-  HiLink cshHereDoc	cshString
-  HiLink cshNoEndlineBQ	cshNoEndline
-  HiLink cshNoEndlineDQ	cshNoEndline
-  HiLink cshNoEndlineSQ	cshNoEndline
-  HiLink cshQtyWord	cshVariables
-  HiLink cshRedir		cshOperator
-  HiLink cshSelector	cshVariables
-  HiLink cshSetStmt	cshStatement
-  HiLink cshSetVariables	cshVariables
-  HiLink cshSnglQuote	cshString
-  HiLink cshSubst		cshVariables
+HiLink cshArgv		cshVariables
+HiLink cshBckQuote	cshCommand
+HiLink cshDblQuote	cshString
+HiLink cshExtVar	cshVariables
+HiLink cshHereDoc	cshString
+HiLink cshNoEndlineBQ	cshNoEndline
+HiLink cshNoEndlineDQ	cshNoEndline
+HiLink cshNoEndlineSQ	cshNoEndline
+HiLink cshQtyWord	cshVariables
+HiLink cshRedir		cshOperator
+HiLink cshSelector	cshVariables
+HiLink cshSetStmt	cshStatement
+HiLink cshSetVariables	cshVariables
+HiLink cshSnglQuote	cshString
+HiLink cshSubst		cshVariables
 
-  HiLink cshCommand	Statement
-  HiLink cshComment	Comment
-  HiLink cshConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink cshIdentifier	Error
-  HiLink cshModifier	Special
-  HiLink cshNoEndline	Error
-  HiLink cshNumber	Number
-  HiLink cshOperator	Operator
-  HiLink cshRedir		Statement
-  HiLink cshRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink cshShellVariables	Special
-  HiLink cshSpecial	Special
-  HiLink cshStatement	Statement
-  HiLink cshString	String
-  HiLink cshSubstError	Error
-  HiLink cshTodo		Todo
-  HiLink cshVariables	Type
+HiLink cshCommand	Statement
+HiLink cshComment	Comment
+HiLink cshConditional	Conditional
+HiLink cshIdentifier	Error
+HiLink cshModifier	Special
+HiLink cshNoEndline	Error
+HiLink cshNumber	Number
+HiLink cshOperator	Operator
+HiLink cshRedir		Statement
+HiLink cshRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink cshShellVariables	Special
+HiLink cshSpecial	Special
+HiLink cshStatement	Statement
+HiLink cshString	String
+HiLink cshSubstError	Error
+HiLink cshTodo		Todo
+HiLink cshVariables	Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "csh"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/csp.vim b/runtime/syntax/csp.vim
index bd6213efd9..a5460cddbb 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/csp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/csp.vim
@@ -15,11 +15,8 @@
 "		- The additional syntax for the RT-Tester (pseudo-comments)
 "		  should be optional.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -149,46 +146,38 @@ syn match cspSdlRttComment	"pragma\s\+SDL_MATCH\s\+" nextgroup=cspRttPragmaSdlAr
 syn sync lines=250
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_csp_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_csp_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  " (For vim version <=5.7, the command groups are defined in
-  " $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/synload.vim )
-  HiLink cspComment			Comment
-  HiLink cspNumber			Number
-  HiLink cspConditional			Conditional
-  HiLink cspOperator			Delimiter
-  HiLink cspKeyword			Keyword
-  HiLink cspReserved			SpecialChar
-  HiLink cspInclude			Error
-  HiLink cspIncludeKeyword		Include
-  HiLink cspIncludeArg			Include
-  HiLink cspAssert			PreCondit
-  HiLink cspType			Type
-  HiLink cspProcess			Function
-  HiLink cspTodo			Todo
-  HiLink cspOldRttComment		Define
-  HiLink cspRttPragmaKeyword		Define
-  HiLink cspSdlRttComment		Define
-  HiLink cspRttPragmaArg		Define
-  HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlArg		Define
-  HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlName		Default
-  HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlTailArg		Define
-  HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlTransName	Default
-  HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlTransTailArg	Define
-  HiLink cspReservedIdentifier	Error
-  " (Currently unused vim method: Debug)
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+" (For vim version <=5.7, the command groups are defined in
+" $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/synload.vim )
+HiLink cspComment			Comment
+HiLink cspNumber			Number
+HiLink cspConditional			Conditional
+HiLink cspOperator			Delimiter
+HiLink cspKeyword			Keyword
+HiLink cspReserved			SpecialChar
+HiLink cspInclude			Error
+HiLink cspIncludeKeyword		Include
+HiLink cspIncludeArg			Include
+HiLink cspAssert			PreCondit
+HiLink cspType			Type
+HiLink cspProcess			Function
+HiLink cspTodo			Todo
+HiLink cspOldRttComment		Define
+HiLink cspRttPragmaKeyword		Define
+HiLink cspSdlRttComment		Define
+HiLink cspRttPragmaArg		Define
+HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlArg		Define
+HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlName		Default
+HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlTailArg		Define
+HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlTransName	Default
+HiLink cspRttPragmaSdlTransTailArg	Define
+HiLink cspReservedIdentifier	Error
+" (Currently unused vim method: Debug)
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "csp"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/css.vim b/runtime/syntax/css.vim
index 51758ca98f..e8c2c85318 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/css.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/css.vim
@@ -8,12 +8,9 @@
 " URL:          https://github.com/JulesWang/css.vim
 " Last Change:  2015 Apr.17
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   let main_syntax = 'css'
@@ -516,139 +513,131 @@ if main_syntax == "css"
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_css_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_css_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink cssComment Comment
-  HiLink cssVendor Comment
-  HiLink cssHacks Comment
-  HiLink cssTagName Statement
-  HiLink cssDeprecated Error
-  HiLink cssSelectorOp Special
-  HiLink cssSelectorOp2 Special
-  HiLink cssAttrComma Special
+HiLink cssComment Comment
+HiLink cssVendor Comment
+HiLink cssHacks Comment
+HiLink cssTagName Statement
+HiLink cssDeprecated Error
+HiLink cssSelectorOp Special
+HiLink cssSelectorOp2 Special
+HiLink cssAttrComma Special
 
-  HiLink cssAnimationProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssBackgroundProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssBorderProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssBoxProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssColorProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssContentForPagedMediaProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssDimensionProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssFlexibleBoxProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssFontProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssGeneratedContentProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssGridProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssHyerlinkProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssLineboxProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssListProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssMarqueeProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssMultiColumnProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssPagedMediaProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssPositioningProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssPrintProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssRubyProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssSpeechProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssTableProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssTextProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssTransformProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssTransitionProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssUIProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssIEUIProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssAuralProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssRenderProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssMobileTextProp cssProp
+HiLink cssAnimationProp cssProp
+HiLink cssBackgroundProp cssProp
+HiLink cssBorderProp cssProp
+HiLink cssBoxProp cssProp
+HiLink cssColorProp cssProp
+HiLink cssContentForPagedMediaProp cssProp
+HiLink cssDimensionProp cssProp
+HiLink cssFlexibleBoxProp cssProp
+HiLink cssFontProp cssProp
+HiLink cssGeneratedContentProp cssProp
+HiLink cssGridProp cssProp
+HiLink cssHyerlinkProp cssProp
+HiLink cssLineboxProp cssProp
+HiLink cssListProp cssProp
+HiLink cssMarqueeProp cssProp
+HiLink cssMultiColumnProp cssProp
+HiLink cssPagedMediaProp cssProp
+HiLink cssPositioningProp cssProp
+HiLink cssPrintProp cssProp
+HiLink cssRubyProp cssProp
+HiLink cssSpeechProp cssProp
+HiLink cssTableProp cssProp
+HiLink cssTextProp cssProp
+HiLink cssTransformProp cssProp
+HiLink cssTransitionProp cssProp
+HiLink cssUIProp cssProp
+HiLink cssIEUIProp cssProp
+HiLink cssAuralProp cssProp
+HiLink cssRenderProp cssProp
+HiLink cssMobileTextProp cssProp
 
-  HiLink cssAnimationAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssBackgroundAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssBorderAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssBoxAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssContentForPagedMediaAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssDimensionAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssFlexibleBoxAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssFontAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssGeneratedContentAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssGridAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssHyerlinkAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssLineboxAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssListAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssMarginAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssMarqueeAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssMultiColumnAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssPaddingAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssPagedMediaAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssPositioningAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssGradientAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssPrintAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssRubyAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssSpeechAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssTableAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssTextAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssTransformAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssTransitionAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssUIAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssIEUIAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssAuralAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssRenderAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssCommonAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssAnimationAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssBackgroundAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssBorderAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssBoxAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssContentForPagedMediaAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssDimensionAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssFlexibleBoxAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssFontAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssGeneratedContentAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssGridAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssHyerlinkAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssLineboxAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssListAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssMarginAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssMarqueeAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssMultiColumnAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssPaddingAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssPagedMediaAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssPositioningAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssGradientAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssPrintAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssRubyAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssSpeechAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssTableAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssTextAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssTransformAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssTransitionAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssUIAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssIEUIAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssAuralAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssRenderAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssCommonAttr cssAttr
 
-  HiLink cssPseudoClassId PreProc
-  HiLink cssPseudoClassLang Constant
-  HiLink cssValueLength Number
-  HiLink cssValueInteger Number
-  HiLink cssValueNumber Number
-  HiLink cssValueAngle Number
-  HiLink cssValueTime Number
-  HiLink cssValueFrequency Number
-  HiLink cssFunction Constant
-  HiLink cssURL String
-  HiLink cssFunctionName Function
-  HiLink cssFunctionComma Function
-  HiLink cssColor Constant
-  HiLink cssIdentifier Function
-  HiLink cssInclude Include
-  HiLink cssIncludeKeyword atKeyword
-  HiLink cssImportant Special
-  HiLink cssBraces Function
-  HiLink cssBraceError Error
-  HiLink cssError Error
-  HiLink cssUnicodeEscape Special
-  HiLink cssStringQQ String
-  HiLink cssStringQ String
-  HiLink cssAttributeSelector String
-  HiLink cssMedia atKeyword
-  HiLink cssMediaType Special
-  HiLink cssMediaComma Normal
-  HiLink cssMediaKeyword Statement
-  HiLink cssMediaProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssMediaAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssPage atKeyword
-  HiLink cssPagePseudo PreProc
-  HiLink cssPageMargin atKeyword
-  HiLink cssPageProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssKeyFrame atKeyword
-  HiLink cssKeyFrameSelector Constant
-  HiLink cssFontDescriptor Special
-  HiLink cssFontDescriptorFunction Constant
-  HiLink cssFontDescriptorProp cssProp
-  HiLink cssFontDescriptorAttr cssAttr
-  HiLink cssUnicodeRange Constant
-  HiLink cssClassName Function
-  HiLink cssClassNameDot Function
-  HiLink cssProp StorageClass
-  HiLink cssAttr Constant
-  HiLink cssUnitDecorators Number
-  HiLink cssNoise Noise
-  HiLink atKeyword PreProc
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink cssPseudoClassId PreProc
+HiLink cssPseudoClassLang Constant
+HiLink cssValueLength Number
+HiLink cssValueInteger Number
+HiLink cssValueNumber Number
+HiLink cssValueAngle Number
+HiLink cssValueTime Number
+HiLink cssValueFrequency Number
+HiLink cssFunction Constant
+HiLink cssURL String
+HiLink cssFunctionName Function
+HiLink cssFunctionComma Function
+HiLink cssColor Constant
+HiLink cssIdentifier Function
+HiLink cssInclude Include
+HiLink cssIncludeKeyword atKeyword
+HiLink cssImportant Special
+HiLink cssBraces Function
+HiLink cssBraceError Error
+HiLink cssError Error
+HiLink cssUnicodeEscape Special
+HiLink cssStringQQ String
+HiLink cssStringQ String
+HiLink cssAttributeSelector String
+HiLink cssMedia atKeyword
+HiLink cssMediaType Special
+HiLink cssMediaComma Normal
+HiLink cssMediaKeyword Statement
+HiLink cssMediaProp cssProp
+HiLink cssMediaAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssPage atKeyword
+HiLink cssPagePseudo PreProc
+HiLink cssPageMargin atKeyword
+HiLink cssPageProp cssProp
+HiLink cssKeyFrame atKeyword
+HiLink cssKeyFrameSelector Constant
+HiLink cssFontDescriptor Special
+HiLink cssFontDescriptorFunction Constant
+HiLink cssFontDescriptorProp cssProp
+HiLink cssFontDescriptorAttr cssAttr
+HiLink cssUnicodeRange Constant
+HiLink cssClassName Function
+HiLink cssClassNameDot Function
+HiLink cssProp StorageClass
+HiLink cssAttr Constant
+HiLink cssUnitDecorators Number
+HiLink cssNoise Noise
+HiLink atKeyword PreProc
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "css"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cterm.vim b/runtime/syntax/cterm.vim
index 139a0d5e17..8510f62cc7 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cterm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cterm.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2002 Apr 13
 " Version Info: @(#)cterm.vim	1.7	97/12/15 09:23:14
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -142,48 +139,40 @@ syn match   ctermCharacter		"'[^\\]'"
 syn match   ctermSpecialCharacter	"'\\.'"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cterm_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cterm_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink ctermStatement		Statement
-	HiLink ctermFunction		Statement
-	HiLink ctermStrFunction	Statement
-	HiLink ctermIntFunction	Statement
-	HiLink ctermLabel		Statement
-	HiLink ctermConditional	Statement
-	HiLink ctermRepeat		Statement
-	HiLink ctermLibFunc		UserDefFunc
-	HiLink ctermType		Type
-	HiLink ctermFuncArg		PreCondit
+HiLink ctermStatement		Statement
+HiLink ctermFunction		Statement
+HiLink ctermStrFunction	Statement
+HiLink ctermIntFunction	Statement
+HiLink ctermLabel		Statement
+HiLink ctermConditional	Statement
+HiLink ctermRepeat		Statement
+HiLink ctermLibFunc		UserDefFunc
+HiLink ctermType		Type
+HiLink ctermFuncArg		PreCondit
 
-	HiLink ctermPreVarRO		PreCondit
-	HiLink ctermPreVarRW		PreConditBold
-	HiLink ctermVar		Type
+HiLink ctermPreVarRO		PreCondit
+HiLink ctermPreVarRW		PreConditBold
+HiLink ctermVar		Type
 
-	HiLink ctermComment		Comment
+HiLink ctermComment		Comment
 
-	HiLink ctermCharacter		SpecialChar
-	HiLink ctermSpecial		Special
-	HiLink ctermSpecialCharacter	SpecialChar
-	HiLink ctermSymbols		Special
-	HiLink ctermString		String
-	HiLink ctermTodo		Todo
-	HiLink ctermOperator		Statement
-	HiLink ctermNumber		Number
+HiLink ctermCharacter		SpecialChar
+HiLink ctermSpecial		Special
+HiLink ctermSpecialCharacter	SpecialChar
+HiLink ctermSymbols		Special
+HiLink ctermString		String
+HiLink ctermTodo		Todo
+HiLink ctermOperator		Statement
+HiLink ctermNumber		Number
 
-	" redefine the colors
-	"hi PreConditBold	term=bold ctermfg=1 cterm=bold guifg=Purple gui=bold
-	"hi Special	term=bold ctermfg=6 guifg=SlateBlue gui=underline
+" redefine the colors
+"hi PreConditBold	term=bold ctermfg=1 cterm=bold guifg=Purple gui=bold
+"hi Special	term=bold ctermfg=6 guifg=SlateBlue gui=underline
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cterm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cuda.vim b/runtime/syntax/cuda.vim
index 77930e3fd4..cfc70b9ea8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cuda.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cuda.vim
@@ -3,20 +3,13 @@
 " Maintainer:	Timothy B. Terriberry <tterribe@users.sourceforge.net>
 " Last Change:	2007 Oct 13
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/c.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/c.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/c.vim
 
 " CUDA extentions
 syn keyword cudaStorageClass	__device__ __global__ __host__
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cupl.vim b/runtime/syntax/cupl.vim
index 545d873af2..58540b63d4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cupl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cupl.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	John Cook <johncook3@gmail.com>
 " Last Change:	2011 Dec 27
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -95,39 +92,31 @@ syn region cuplComment start=+/\*+ end=+\*/+ contains=cuplNumber,cuplTodo
 syn sync minlines=1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cupl_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cupl_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default highlighting.
-  HiLink cuplHeader	cuplStatement
-  HiLink cuplLogicalOperator	 cuplOperator
-  HiLink cuplRangeOperator	 cuplOperator
-  HiLink cuplArithmeticOperator cuplOperator
-  HiLink cuplAssignmentOperator cuplOperator
-  HiLink cuplEqualityOperator	 cuplOperator
-  HiLink cuplTruthTableOperator cuplOperator
-  HiLink cuplOperator	cuplStatement
-  HiLink cuplFunction	cuplStatement
-  HiLink cuplStatement Statement
-  HiLink cuplNumberRange cuplNumber
-  HiLink cuplNumber	  cuplString
-  HiLink cuplString	String
-  HiLink cuplComment	Comment
-  HiLink cuplExtension   cuplSpecial
-  HiLink cuplSpecialChar cuplSpecial
-  HiLink cuplSpecial	Special
-  HiLink cuplDirective PreProc
-  HiLink cuplTodo	Todo
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink cuplHeader	cuplStatement
+HiLink cuplLogicalOperator	 cuplOperator
+HiLink cuplRangeOperator	 cuplOperator
+HiLink cuplArithmeticOperator cuplOperator
+HiLink cuplAssignmentOperator cuplOperator
+HiLink cuplEqualityOperator	 cuplOperator
+HiLink cuplTruthTableOperator cuplOperator
+HiLink cuplOperator	cuplStatement
+HiLink cuplFunction	cuplStatement
+HiLink cuplStatement Statement
+HiLink cuplNumberRange cuplNumber
+HiLink cuplNumber	  cuplString
+HiLink cuplString	String
+HiLink cuplComment	Comment
+HiLink cuplExtension   cuplSpecial
+HiLink cuplSpecialChar cuplSpecial
+HiLink cuplSpecial	Special
+HiLink cuplDirective PreProc
+HiLink cuplTodo	Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cupl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cuplsim.vim b/runtime/syntax/cuplsim.vim
index 18a30ce256..d0c9ec34f5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cuplsim.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cuplsim.vim
@@ -3,21 +3,14 @@
 " Maintainer:	John Cook <john.cook@kla-tencor.com>
 " Last Change:	2001 Apr 25
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the CUPL syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/cupl.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/cupl.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cupl.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " omit definition-specific stuff
 syn clear cuplStatement
@@ -53,28 +46,20 @@ syn match cuplsimOutput +"\x\+"+
 syn sync minlines=1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cuplsim_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cuplsim_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " append to the highlighting links in cupl.vim
-  " The default highlighting.
-  HiLink cuplsimOrder		cuplStatement
-  HiLink cuplsimBase		cuplStatement
-  HiLink cuplsimBaseType	cuplStatement
-  HiLink cuplsimVectors		cuplStatement
-  HiLink cuplsimStimulus	cuplNumber
-  HiLink cuplsimOutput		cuplNumber
-  HiLink cuplsimOrderFormat	cuplNumber
+" append to the highlighting links in cupl.vim
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink cuplsimOrder		cuplStatement
+HiLink cuplsimBase		cuplStatement
+HiLink cuplsimBaseType	cuplStatement
+HiLink cuplsimVectors		cuplStatement
+HiLink cuplsimStimulus	cuplNumber
+HiLink cuplsimOutput		cuplNumber
+HiLink cuplsimOrderFormat	cuplNumber
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cuplsim"
 " vim:ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cvs.vim b/runtime/syntax/cvs.vim
index 94b2a809eb..4a01c2b8a8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cvs.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cvs.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.zotikos.com/downloads/cvs.vim
 " Last Change:	Sat Nov 24 23:25:11 CET 2001
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -20,24 +17,16 @@ syn region cvsCom start="Committing in" end="$" contains=cvsDir contained extend
 syn match cvsDir   contained "\S\+$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cvs_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_cvs_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink cvsLine		Comment
-	HiLink cvsDir		cvsFile
-	HiLink cvsFile		Constant
-	HiLink cvsFiles		cvsCom
-	HiLink cvsTag		cvsCom
-	HiLink cvsCom		Statement
+HiLink cvsLine		Comment
+HiLink cvsDir		cvsFile
+HiLink cvsFile		Constant
+HiLink cvsFiles		cvsCom
+HiLink cvsTag		cvsCom
+HiLink cvsCom		Statement
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cvs"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cweb.vim b/runtime/syntax/cweb.vim
index 39b593d2be..1d6e0fdec6 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cweb.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cweb.vim
@@ -13,11 +13,8 @@
 " TODO: names, and leaves C/C++ comments as such. (On the other hand,
 " TODO: switching to TeX mode in C/C++ comments might be colour overkill.)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -25,12 +22,8 @@ endif
 " level in the CWEB syntax, e.g., in the preamble.  In general, a CWEB source
 " code can be seen as a normal TeX document with some C/C++ material
 " interspersed in certain defined regions.
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/tex.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/tex.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/tex.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " Read the C/C++ syntax too; C/C++ syntax items are treated as such in the
 " C/C++ section of a CWEB chunk or in inner C/C++ context in "|...|" groups.
@@ -63,20 +56,12 @@ syntax region webRestrictedTeX start="@[\^\.:t=q]" end="@>" oneline
 syntax match webIgnoredStuff "@@"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cweb_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cweb_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink webRestrictedTeX String
+HiLink webRestrictedTeX String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cweb"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cynlib.vim b/runtime/syntax/cynlib.vim
index a9985074d6..5338c613d9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cynlib.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cynlib.vim
@@ -15,22 +15,15 @@
 
 
 " Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 
 
 " Read the C++ syntax to start with - this includes the C syntax
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/cpp.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " Cynlib extensions
@@ -69,23 +62,15 @@ syn match       cynlibOperator     "<<="
 syn keyword	cynlibType	   In Out InST OutST Int Uint Const Cynclock
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cynlib_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cynlib_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink cynlibOperator   Operator
-  HiLink cynlibMacro      Statement
-  HiLink cynlibFunction   Statement
-  HiLink cynlibppMacro      Statement
-  HiLink cynlibType       Type
+HiLink cynlibOperator   Operator
+HiLink cynlibMacro      Statement
+HiLink cynlibFunction   Statement
+HiLink cynlibppMacro      Statement
+HiLink cynlibType       Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cynlib"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/cynpp.vim b/runtime/syntax/cynpp.vim
index b984bace35..ee54eb6a44 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/cynpp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/cynpp.vim
@@ -19,21 +19,13 @@
 
 
 
-" Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the Cynlib syntax to start with - this includes the C++ syntax
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/cynlib.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/cynlib.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cynlib.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 
@@ -49,20 +41,12 @@ syn keyword     cynppMacro      Thread EndThread
 syn keyword     cynppMacro      Instantiate
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cynpp_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cynpp_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink cLabel		Label
-  HiLink cynppMacro  Statement
+HiLink cLabel		Label
+HiLink cynppMacro  Statement
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "cynpp"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/datascript.vim b/runtime/syntax/datascript.vim
index a983b8e34c..7b686a144e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/datascript.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/datascript.vim
@@ -8,9 +8,8 @@
 "
 " http://dstools.sourceforge.net/DataScriptLanguageOverview.html
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 let s:keepcpo= &cpo
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dcd.vim b/runtime/syntax/dcd.vim
index a566745fbe..bde1d3d95e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dcd.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dcd.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Christopher Shinn <christopher@lucent.com>
 " Last Change:	2003 Apr 25
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -40,25 +37,17 @@ syn keyword dcdSpecial		PRV1 PRV2 PRV3 PRV4 PRV5 PRV6 PRV7 PRV8
 syn region  dcdComment		start="\*" end="\;"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dcd_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dcd_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink dcdFunction		Identifier
-  HiLink dcdLabel		Constant
-  HiLink dcdConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink dcdDisplay		Type
-  HiLink dcdStatement		Statement
-  HiLink dcdSpecial		Special
-  HiLink dcdComment		Comment
+HiLink dcdFunction		Identifier
+HiLink dcdLabel		Constant
+HiLink dcdConditional		Conditional
+HiLink dcdDisplay		Type
+HiLink dcdStatement		Statement
+HiLink dcdSpecial		Special
+HiLink dcdComment		Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dcd"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dcl.vim b/runtime/syntax/dcl.vim
index 73bf577e3e..621c70f470 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dcl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dcl.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Version:	9
 " URL:	http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#SYNTAX_DCL
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -111,50 +108,42 @@ syn region  dclFuncList	matchgroup=Delimiter start="(" matchgroup=Delimiter end=
 syn match   dclError	")"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dcl_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dcl_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
- HiLink dclLogOper	dclError
- HiLink dclLogical	dclOper
- HiLink dclLogSep	dclSep
+HiLink dclLogOper	dclError
+HiLink dclLogical	dclOper
+HiLink dclLogSep	dclSep
 
- HiLink dclAssign	Operator
- HiLink dclCmdProc	Special
- HiLink dclCmdProcStart	Operator
- HiLink dclComment	Comment
- HiLink dclContinue	Statement
- HiLink dclDevice	Identifier
- HiLink dclDirPath	Identifier
- HiLink dclDirPath	Identifier
- HiLink dclDirSep	Delimiter
- HiLink dclError	Error
- HiLink dclExe		Statement
- HiLink dclFilename	NONE
- HiLink dclGotoLabel	Label
- HiLink dclInstr	Statement
- HiLink dclLexical	Function
- HiLink dclMdfy	Type
- HiLink dclMdfyBrkt	Delimiter
- HiLink dclMdfySep	Delimiter
- HiLink dclMdfySet	Type
- HiLink dclMdfySetString	String
- HiLink dclNumber	Number
- HiLink dclOper	Operator
- HiLink dclParam	Special
- HiLink dclSep		Delimiter
- HiLink dclStart	Delimiter
- HiLink dclString	String
- HiLink dclTodo	Todo
+HiLink dclAssign	Operator
+HiLink dclCmdProc	Special
+HiLink dclCmdProcStart	Operator
+HiLink dclComment	Comment
+HiLink dclContinue	Statement
+HiLink dclDevice	Identifier
+HiLink dclDirPath	Identifier
+HiLink dclDirPath	Identifier
+HiLink dclDirSep	Delimiter
+HiLink dclError	Error
+HiLink dclExe		Statement
+HiLink dclFilename	NONE
+HiLink dclGotoLabel	Label
+HiLink dclInstr	Statement
+HiLink dclLexical	Function
+HiLink dclMdfy	Type
+HiLink dclMdfyBrkt	Delimiter
+HiLink dclMdfySep	Delimiter
+HiLink dclMdfySet	Type
+HiLink dclMdfySetString	String
+HiLink dclNumber	Number
+HiLink dclOper	Operator
+HiLink dclParam	Special
+HiLink dclSep		Delimiter
+HiLink dclStart	Delimiter
+HiLink dclString	String
+HiLink dclTodo	Todo
 
- delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dcl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/debchangelog.vim b/runtime/syntax/debchangelog.vim
index d0c658c75e..3668ea531f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/debchangelog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/debchangelog.vim
@@ -7,9 +7,7 @@
 " URL: https://anonscm.debian.org/cgit/pkg-vim/vim.git/plain/runtime/syntax/debchangelog.vim
 
 " Standard syntax initialization
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -36,28 +34,21 @@ syn region debchangelogFooter start="^ [^ ]" end="$" contains=debchangelogEmail
 syn region debchangelogEntry start="^  " end="$" contains=debchangelogCloses,debchangelogLP oneline
 
 " Associate our matches and regions with pretty colours
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_debchangelog_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_debchangelog_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink debchangelogHeader		Error
-  HiLink debchangelogFooter		Identifier
-  HiLink debchangelogEntry		Normal
-  HiLink debchangelogCloses		Statement
-  HiLink debchangelogLP			Statement
-  HiLink debchangelogFirstKV		Identifier
-  HiLink debchangelogOtherKV		Identifier
-  HiLink debchangelogName		Comment
-  HiLink debchangelogVersion		Identifier
-  HiLink debchangelogTarget		Identifier
-  HiLink debchangelogEmail		Special
+HiLink debchangelogHeader		Error
+HiLink debchangelogFooter		Identifier
+HiLink debchangelogEntry		Normal
+HiLink debchangelogCloses		Statement
+HiLink debchangelogLP			Statement
+HiLink debchangelogFirstKV		Identifier
+HiLink debchangelogOtherKV		Identifier
+HiLink debchangelogName		Comment
+HiLink debchangelogVersion		Identifier
+HiLink debchangelogTarget		Identifier
+HiLink debchangelogEmail		Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "debchangelog"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/debcontrol.vim b/runtime/syntax/debcontrol.vim
index 4fb53a55ca..4d354c4bd2 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/debcontrol.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/debcontrol.vim
@@ -7,9 +7,7 @@
 " URL: https://anonscm.debian.org/cgit/pkg-vim/vim.git/plain/runtime/syntax/debcontrol.vim
 
 " Standard syntax initialization
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -86,37 +84,30 @@ syn region debcontrolMultiField start="^\%(Build-\%(Conflicts\|Depends\)\%(-Inde
 syn region debcontrolMultiFieldSpell start="^\%(Description\):" skip="^ " end="^$"me=s-1 end="^[^ #]"me=s-1 contains=debcontrolKey,debcontrolEmail,debcontrolVariable,debcontrolComment,@Spell
 
 " Associate our matches and regions with pretty colours
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_debcontrol_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_debcontrol_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink debcontrolKey		Keyword
-  HiLink debcontrolField	Normal
-  HiLink debcontrolStrictField	Error
-  HiLink debcontrolDeprecatedKey	Error
-  HiLink debcontrolMultiField	Normal
-  HiLink debcontrolArchitecture	Normal
-  HiLink debcontrolMultiArch	Normal
-  HiLink debcontrolName		Normal
-  HiLink debcontrolPriority	Normal
-  HiLink debcontrolSection	Normal
-  HiLink debcontrolPackageType	Normal
-  HiLink debcontrolVariable	Identifier
-  HiLink debcontrolEmail	Identifier
-  HiLink debcontrolVcsSvn	Identifier
-  HiLink debcontrolVcsCvs	Identifier
-  HiLink debcontrolVcsGit	Identifier
-  HiLink debcontrolHTTPUrl	Identifier
-  HiLink debcontrolDmUpload	Identifier
-  HiLink debcontrolComment	Comment
-  HiLink debcontrolElse		Special
+HiLink debcontrolKey		Keyword
+HiLink debcontrolField	Normal
+HiLink debcontrolStrictField	Error
+HiLink debcontrolDeprecatedKey	Error
+HiLink debcontrolMultiField	Normal
+HiLink debcontrolArchitecture	Normal
+HiLink debcontrolMultiArch	Normal
+HiLink debcontrolName		Normal
+HiLink debcontrolPriority	Normal
+HiLink debcontrolSection	Normal
+HiLink debcontrolPackageType	Normal
+HiLink debcontrolVariable	Identifier
+HiLink debcontrolEmail	Identifier
+HiLink debcontrolVcsSvn	Identifier
+HiLink debcontrolVcsCvs	Identifier
+HiLink debcontrolVcsGit	Identifier
+HiLink debcontrolHTTPUrl	Identifier
+HiLink debcontrolDmUpload	Identifier
+HiLink debcontrolComment	Comment
+HiLink debcontrolElse		Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "debcontrol"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/debsources.vim b/runtime/syntax/debsources.vim
index d35e24729d..5383602ef4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/debsources.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/debsources.vim
@@ -6,9 +6,7 @@
 " URL: https://anonscm.debian.org/cgit/pkg-vim/vim.git/plain/runtime/syntax/debsources.vim
 
 " Standard syntax initialization
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/def.vim b/runtime/syntax/def.vim
index 5efb41bc43..cfae2112e9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/def.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/def.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Last Change:	$Date: 2007/10/02 13:51:24 $
 " $Revision: 1.2 $
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -32,25 +29,17 @@ syn match   defNumber	"0x\x\+"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_def_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_def_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink defComment	Comment
-  HiLink defKeyword	Keyword
-  HiLink defStorage	StorageClass
-  HiLink defString	String
-  HiLink defNumber	Number
-  HiLink defOrdinal	Operator
+HiLink defComment	Comment
+HiLink defKeyword	Keyword
+HiLink defStorage	StorageClass
+HiLink defString	String
+HiLink defNumber	Number
+HiLink defOrdinal	Operator
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "def"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/desc.vim b/runtime/syntax/desc.vim
index ca47176ff7..fa0189a3dc 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/desc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/desc.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	René Rebe <rene@exactcode.de>, Piotr Esden-Tempski <esden@rocklinux.org>
 " Last Change:	2006 Aug 14
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -63,40 +60,31 @@ syn region descTagRegion start=/^\[\(F\|FLAG\)\]/ end=/$/ contains=descTag,descF
 
 syn region descTagRegion start=/^\[\(L\|LICENSE\)\]/ end=/$/ contains=descTag,descLicense
 
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_desc_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_desc_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink descFlag		Identifier
-  HiLink descLicense		Identifier
-  HiLink descCategory		Identifier
+HiLink descFlag		Identifier
+HiLink descLicense		Identifier
+HiLink descCategory		Identifier
 
-  HiLink descTag		Type
-  HiLink descUrl		Underlined
-  HiLink descEmail		Underlined
+HiLink descTag		Type
+HiLink descUrl		Underlined
+HiLink descEmail		Underlined
 
-  " priority tag colors
-  HiLink descInstallX		Boolean
-  HiLink descInstallO		Type
-  HiLink descDash		Operator
-  HiLink descDigit		Number
-  HiLink descCompilePriority	Number
+" priority tag colors
+HiLink descInstallX		Boolean
+HiLink descInstallO		Type
+HiLink descDash		Operator
+HiLink descDigit		Number
+HiLink descCompilePriority	Number
 
-  " download tag colors
-  HiLink descSum		Number
-  HiLink descTarball		Underlined
+" download tag colors
+HiLink descSum		Number
+HiLink descTarball		Underlined
 
-  " tag region colors
-  HiLink descText		Comment
+" tag region colors
+HiLink descText		Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "desc"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/desktop.vim b/runtime/syntax/desktop.vim
index 27dac5c8ee..efab6d5f6f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/desktop.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/desktop.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " 		(added "Keywords")
 " Version Info: desktop.vim 0.9.4-1.2
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -79,41 +76,33 @@ syn match   dtALocale /\[.\{-}\]\s*=\@=/ containedin=ALL
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_desktop_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_dosini_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink dtGroup		 Special
-	HiLink dtComment	 Comment
-	HiLink dtDelim		 String
+HiLink dtGroup		 Special
+HiLink dtComment	 Comment
+HiLink dtDelim		 String
 
-	HiLink dtLocaleKey	 Type
-	HiLink dtLocaleName	 Identifier
-	HiLink dtXLocale	 Identifier
-	HiLink dtALocale	 Identifier
+HiLink dtLocaleKey	 Type
+HiLink dtLocaleName	 Identifier
+HiLink dtXLocale	 Identifier
+HiLink dtALocale	 Identifier
 
-	HiLink dtNumericKey	 Type
+HiLink dtNumericKey	 Type
 
-	HiLink dtBooleanKey	 Type
-	HiLink dtBooleanValue	 Constant
+HiLink dtBooleanKey	 Type
+HiLink dtBooleanValue	 Constant
 
-	HiLink dtStringKey	 Type
+HiLink dtStringKey	 Type
 
-	HiLink dtExecKey	 Type
-	HiLink dtExecParam	 Special
-	HiLink dtTypeKey	 Type
-	HiLink dtTypeValue	 Constant
-	HiLink dtNotStLabel	 Type
-	HiLink dtXAddKey	 Type
+HiLink dtExecKey	 Type
+HiLink dtExecParam	 Special
+HiLink dtTypeKey	 Type
+HiLink dtTypeValue	 Constant
+HiLink dtNotStLabel	 Type
+HiLink dtXAddKey	 Type
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "desktop"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/diva.vim b/runtime/syntax/diva.vim
index 78668fd85a..02fc46dcbb 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/diva.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/diva.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,7 @@
 " Don't remove any old syntax stuff hanging around! We need stuff
 " from skill.vim.
 if !exists("did_skill_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 600
-	so <sfile>:p:h/skill.vim
-  else
-    runtime! syntax/skill.vim
-  endif
+  runtime! syntax/skill.vim
 endif
 
 syn keyword divaDRCKeywords		area enc notch ovlp sep width
@@ -81,29 +77,21 @@ syn match divaGeomFunctions		"(geom\u\a\+\(45\|90\)\=\>"hs=s+1
 syn match divaGeomFunctions		"\<geom\u\a\+\(45\|90\)\=("he=e-1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_diva_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_diva_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink divaDRCKeywords		Statement
-	HiLink divaMeasKeywords		Statement
-	HiLink divaCtrlFunctions	Conditional
-	HiLink divaExtFunctions		Function
-	HiLink divaDRCFunctions		Function
-	HiLink divaFunctions		Function
-	HiLink divaLayerFunctions	Function
-	HiLink divaChkFunctions		Function
-	HiLink divaLVSFunctions		Function
-	HiLink divaGeomFunctions	Function
+HiLink divaDRCKeywords		Statement
+HiLink divaMeasKeywords		Statement
+HiLink divaCtrlFunctions	Conditional
+HiLink divaExtFunctions		Function
+HiLink divaDRCFunctions		Function
+HiLink divaFunctions		Function
+HiLink divaLayerFunctions	Function
+HiLink divaChkFunctions		Function
+HiLink divaLVSFunctions		Function
+HiLink divaGeomFunctions	Function
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "diva"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/django.vim b/runtime/syntax/django.vim
index da315ac302..a7104d37ec 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/django.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/django.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Dave Hodder <dmh@dmh.org.uk>
 " Last Change:	2014 Jul 13
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -68,29 +65,21 @@ syn region djangoComment start="{%\s*comment\(\s\+.\{-}\)\?%}" end="{%\s*endcomm
 syn region djangoComBlock start="{#" end="#}" contains=djangoTodo
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_django_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_django_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink djangoTagBlock PreProc
-  HiLink djangoVarBlock PreProc
-  HiLink djangoStatement Statement
-  HiLink djangoFilter Identifier
-  HiLink djangoArgument Constant
-  HiLink djangoTagError Error
-  HiLink djangoVarError Error
-  HiLink djangoError Error
-  HiLink djangoComment Comment
-  HiLink djangoComBlock Comment
-  HiLink djangoTodo Todo
+HiLink djangoTagBlock PreProc
+HiLink djangoVarBlock PreProc
+HiLink djangoStatement Statement
+HiLink djangoFilter Identifier
+HiLink djangoArgument Constant
+HiLink djangoTagError Error
+HiLink djangoVarError Error
+HiLink djangoError Error
+HiLink djangoComment Comment
+HiLink djangoComBlock Comment
+HiLink djangoTodo Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "django"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dnsmasq.vim b/runtime/syntax/dnsmasq.vim
index 9fa32077b6..a4cc8b577b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dnsmasq.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dnsmasq.vim
@@ -20,10 +20,8 @@
 "		endif
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-if v:version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax") || &compatible
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax") || &compatible
     finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/docbk.vim b/runtime/syntax/docbk.vim
index fc679eecaf..3bc8049565 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/docbk.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/docbk.vim
@@ -13,11 +13,8 @@
 "   http://www.open-oasis.org/docbook/
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -174,26 +171,17 @@ syn region docbkRemark start="<comment>"lc=9  end="</comment>"me=e-10	contains=x
 syn region docbkCite   start="<citation>"lc=10 end="</citation>"me=e-11 contains=xmlRegion,xmlEntity,sgmlRegion,sgmlEntity keepend
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_docbk_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_docbk_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    hi DocbkBold term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    hi def DocbkBold term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+hi def DocbkBold term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
 
-  HiLink docbkKeyword	Statement
-  HiLink docbkRegion	DocbkBold
-  HiLink docbkTitle	Title
-  HiLink docbkRemark	Comment
-  HiLink docbkCite	Constant
+HiLink docbkKeyword	Statement
+HiLink docbkRegion	DocbkBold
+HiLink docbkTitle	Title
+HiLink docbkRemark	Comment
+HiLink docbkCite	Constant
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "docbk"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dosbatch.vim b/runtime/syntax/dosbatch.vim
index d9b1aa6703..b7f49ca4e9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dosbatch.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dosbatch.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " dosbatch_cmdextversion	- 1 = Windows NT, 2 = Windows 2000 [default]
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -111,49 +108,41 @@ syn keyword dosbatchImplicit    sort start subst time title tree type ver verify
 syn keyword dosbatchImplicit    vol xcopy
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dosbatch_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dosbatch_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink dosbatchTodo		Todo
+HiLink dosbatchTodo		Todo
 
-  HiLink dosbatchStatement	Statement
-  HiLink dosbatchCommands	dosbatchStatement
-  HiLink dosbatchLabel		Label
-  HiLink dosbatchConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink dosbatchRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink dosbatchStatement	Statement
+HiLink dosbatchCommands	dosbatchStatement
+HiLink dosbatchLabel		Label
+HiLink dosbatchConditional	Conditional
+HiLink dosbatchRepeat		Repeat
 
-  HiLink dosbatchOperator       Operator
-  HiLink dosbatchEchoOperator   dosbatchOperator
-  HiLink dosbatchIfOperator     dosbatchOperator
+HiLink dosbatchOperator       Operator
+HiLink dosbatchEchoOperator   dosbatchOperator
+HiLink dosbatchIfOperator     dosbatchOperator
 
-  HiLink dosbatchArgument	Identifier
-  HiLink dosbatchIdentifier     Identifier
-  HiLink dosbatchVariable	dosbatchIdentifier
+HiLink dosbatchArgument	Identifier
+HiLink dosbatchIdentifier     Identifier
+HiLink dosbatchVariable	dosbatchIdentifier
 
-  HiLink dosbatchSpecialChar	SpecialChar
-  HiLink dosbatchString		String
-  HiLink dosbatchNumber		Number
-  HiLink dosbatchInteger	dosbatchNumber
-  HiLink dosbatchHex		dosbatchNumber
-  HiLink dosbatchBinary		dosbatchNumber
-  HiLink dosbatchOctal		dosbatchNumber
+HiLink dosbatchSpecialChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink dosbatchString		String
+HiLink dosbatchNumber		Number
+HiLink dosbatchInteger	dosbatchNumber
+HiLink dosbatchHex		dosbatchNumber
+HiLink dosbatchBinary		dosbatchNumber
+HiLink dosbatchOctal		dosbatchNumber
 
-  HiLink dosbatchComment	Comment
-  HiLink dosbatchImplicit	Function
+HiLink dosbatchComment	Comment
+HiLink dosbatchImplicit	Function
 
-  HiLink dosbatchSwitch		Special
+HiLink dosbatchSwitch		Special
 
-  HiLink dosbatchCmd		PreProc
+HiLink dosbatchCmd		PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dosbatch"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dosini.vim b/runtime/syntax/dosini.vim
index e474f21116..2d8086b2d1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dosini.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dosini.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " Last Change:            2011 Nov 8
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -28,23 +25,15 @@ syn region dosiniHeader   start="^\s*\[" end="\]"
 syn match  dosiniComment  "^[#;].*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dosini_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dosini_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink dosiniNumber   Number
-  HiLink dosiniHeader   Special
-  HiLink dosiniComment  Comment
-  HiLink dosiniLabel    Type
+HiLink dosiniNumber   Number
+HiLink dosiniHeader   Special
+HiLink dosiniComment  Comment
+HiLink dosiniLabel    Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dosini"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dot.vim b/runtime/syntax/dot.vim
index 4cc6f4f21d..e6a5d9a109 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dot.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dot.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Last Change:  2011 May 17 - improved identifier matching + two new keywords
 "               2001 May 04 - initial version
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -74,36 +71,28 @@ syn sync minlines=50
 syn sync maxlines=500
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dot_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dot_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink dotParErr	 Error
-  HiLink dotBraceErr	 Error
-  HiLink dotBrackErr	 Error
+HiLink dotParErr	 Error
+HiLink dotBraceErr	 Error
+HiLink dotBrackErr	 Error
 
-  HiLink dotComment	 Comment
-  HiLink dotTodo	 Todo
+HiLink dotComment	 Comment
+HiLink dotTodo	 Todo
 
-  HiLink dotParEncl	 Keyword
-  HiLink dotBrackEncl	 Keyword
-  HiLink dotBraceEncl	 Keyword
+HiLink dotParEncl	 Keyword
+HiLink dotBrackEncl	 Keyword
+HiLink dotBraceEncl	 Keyword
 
-  HiLink dotKeyword	 Keyword
-  HiLink dotType	 Type
-  HiLink dotKeyChar	 Keyword
+HiLink dotKeyword	 Keyword
+HiLink dotType	 Type
+HiLink dotKeyChar	 Keyword
 
-  HiLink dotString	 String
-  HiLink dotIdentifier	 Identifier
+HiLink dotString	 String
+HiLink dotIdentifier	 Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dot"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dracula.vim b/runtime/syntax/dracula.vim
index 6a3806028e..b60e4846ed 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dracula.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dracula.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 "		the purposes of Design Rule Checking, Layout vs. Schematic
 "		verification, and Layout Parameter Extraction.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -61,24 +58,16 @@ syn match   draculaPreProc "^#.*"
 syn sync lines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dracula_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dracula_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink draculaIdentifier Identifier
-  HiLink draculaStatement  Statement
-  HiLink draculaType       Type
-  HiLink draculaComment    Comment
-  HiLink draculaPreProc    PreProc
+HiLink draculaIdentifier Identifier
+HiLink draculaStatement  Statement
+HiLink draculaType       Type
+HiLink draculaComment    Comment
+HiLink draculaPreProc    PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dracula"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dtd.vim b/runtime/syntax/dtd.vim
index 001dbbddd3..e00c70d115 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dtd.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dtd.vim
@@ -126,41 +126,33 @@ syn keyword dtdTodo contained TODO FIXME XXX
 syn sync lines=250
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dtd_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_dtd_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    " The default highlighting.
-    HiLink dtdFunction		Function
-    HiLink dtdTag		Normal
-    HiLink dtdType		Type
-    HiLink dtdAttrType		dtdType
-    HiLink dtdAttrDef		dtdType
-    HiLink dtdConstant		Constant
-    HiLink dtdString		dtdConstant
-    HiLink dtdEnum		dtdConstant
-    HiLink dtdCard		dtdFunction
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink dtdFunction		Function
+HiLink dtdTag		Normal
+HiLink dtdType		Type
+HiLink dtdAttrType		dtdType
+HiLink dtdAttrDef		dtdType
+HiLink dtdConstant		Constant
+HiLink dtdString		dtdConstant
+HiLink dtdEnum		dtdConstant
+HiLink dtdCard		dtdFunction
 
-    HiLink dtdEntity		Statement
-    HiLink dtdEntityPunct	dtdType
-    HiLink dtdParamEntityInst	dtdConstant
-    HiLink dtdParamEntityPunct	dtdType
-    HiLink dtdParamEntityDecl	dtdType
-    HiLink dtdParamEntityDPunct dtdComment
+HiLink dtdEntity		Statement
+HiLink dtdEntityPunct	dtdType
+HiLink dtdParamEntityInst	dtdConstant
+HiLink dtdParamEntityPunct	dtdType
+HiLink dtdParamEntityDecl	dtdType
+HiLink dtdParamEntityDPunct dtdComment
 
-    HiLink dtdComment		Comment
-    HiLink dtdTagName		Statement
-    HiLink dtdError		Error
-    HiLink dtdTodo		Todo
+HiLink dtdComment		Comment
+HiLink dtdTagName		Statement
+HiLink dtdError		Error
+HiLink dtdTodo		Todo
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let &cpo = s:dtd_cpo_save
 unlet s:dtd_cpo_save
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dtml.vim b/runtime/syntax/dtml.vim
index 7de722aabd..0cc2729f79 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dtml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dtml.vim
@@ -9,20 +9,13 @@
 " hacked out of the Zope Quick Reference in case someone finds something
 " sensible to do with them. I certainly haven't.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " First load the HTML syntax
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
 
 syn case match
 
@@ -196,25 +189,17 @@ syn match   htmlTagN     contained +<\s*[-a-zA-Z0-9]\++hs=s+1 contains=htmlTagNa
 syn match   htmlTagN     contained +</\s*[-a-zA-Z0-9]\++hs=s+2 contains=htmlTagName,htmlSpecialTagName,dtmlIsTag,dtmlAttribute,dtmlMethod,@htmlTagNameCluster
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dtml_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dtml_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink dtmlIsTag			PreProc
-  HiLink dtmlAttribute		Identifier
-  HiLink dtmlMethod			Function
-  HiLink dtmlComment		Comment
-  HiLink dtmlTODO			Todo
-  HiLink dtmlSpecialChar    Special
+HiLink dtmlIsTag			PreProc
+HiLink dtmlAttribute		Identifier
+HiLink dtmlMethod			Function
+HiLink dtmlComment		Comment
+HiLink dtmlTODO			Todo
+HiLink dtmlSpecialChar    Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dtml"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dtrace.vim b/runtime/syntax/dtrace.vim
index 493de1ed0f..7ed9766e77 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dtrace.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dtrace.vim
@@ -10,19 +10,14 @@
 " http://src.opensolaris.org/source/xref/onnv/onnv-gate/usr/src/lib/libdtrace/common/dt_lex.l
 " http://src.opensolaris.org/source/xref/onnv/onnv-gate/usr/src/lib/libdtrace/common/dt_grammar.y
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/c.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/c.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/c.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syn clear cCommentL  " dtrace doesn't support // style comments
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dylan.vim b/runtime/syntax/dylan.vim
index 14262d53d6..95684e5016 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dylan.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dylan.vim
@@ -8,21 +8,14 @@
 " syntax files.
 
 " Part 1:  Syntax definition
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 syn case ignore
 
-if version < 600
-  set lisp
-else
-  setlocal lisp
-endif
+setlocal lisp
 
 " Highlight special characters (those that have backslashes) differently
 syn match	dylanSpecial		display contained "\\\(x\x\+\|\o\{1,3}\|.\|$\)"
@@ -67,42 +60,34 @@ syn region	dylanPrecondit		start="^\s*#\s*\(if\>\|else\>\|endif\>\)" skip="\\$"
 syn region	dylanHeader	start="^[Mm]odule:" end="^$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dylan_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dylan_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink dylanBlock		PreProc
-  HiLink dylanBoolean		Boolean
-  HiLink dylanCharacter		Character
-  HiLink dylanClass		Structure
-  HiLink dylanClassMods		StorageClass
-  HiLink dylanComment		Comment
-  HiLink dylanConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink dylanConstant		Constant
-  HiLink dylanException		Exception
-  HiLink dylanHeader		Macro
-  HiLink dylanImport		Include
-  HiLink dylanLabel		Label
-  HiLink dylanMiscMods		StorageClass
-  HiLink dylanNumber		Number
-  HiLink dylanOther		Keyword
-  HiLink dylanOperator		Operator
-  HiLink dylanParamDefs		Keyword
-  HiLink dylanPrecondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink dylanRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink dylanSimpleDefs	Keyword
-  HiLink dylanStatement		Macro
-  HiLink dylanString		String
-  HiLink dylanVariable		Identifier
+HiLink dylanBlock		PreProc
+HiLink dylanBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink dylanCharacter		Character
+HiLink dylanClass		Structure
+HiLink dylanClassMods		StorageClass
+HiLink dylanComment		Comment
+HiLink dylanConditional	Conditional
+HiLink dylanConstant		Constant
+HiLink dylanException		Exception
+HiLink dylanHeader		Macro
+HiLink dylanImport		Include
+HiLink dylanLabel		Label
+HiLink dylanMiscMods		StorageClass
+HiLink dylanNumber		Number
+HiLink dylanOther		Keyword
+HiLink dylanOperator		Operator
+HiLink dylanParamDefs		Keyword
+HiLink dylanPrecondit		PreCondit
+HiLink dylanRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink dylanSimpleDefs	Keyword
+HiLink dylanStatement		Macro
+HiLink dylanString		String
+HiLink dylanVariable		Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dylan"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dylanintr.vim b/runtime/syntax/dylanintr.vim
index 11ef816681..aaf2d740f0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dylanintr.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dylanintr.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	Fri Sep 29 13:53:27 PDT 2000
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -26,26 +23,18 @@ syn match	dylanintrInclude	"^\s*#\s*include\>\s*["<]" contains=intrIncluded
 "syn keyword intrMods pointer struct
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dylan_intr_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dylan_intr_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink dylanintrInfo		Special
-  HiLink dylanintrInterface	Operator
-  HiLink dylanintrMods		Type
-  HiLink dylanintrClass		StorageClass
-  HiLink dylanintrType		Type
-  HiLink dylanintrIncluded	String
-  HiLink dylanintrInclude	Include
+HiLink dylanintrInfo		Special
+HiLink dylanintrInterface	Operator
+HiLink dylanintrMods		Type
+HiLink dylanintrClass		StorageClass
+HiLink dylanintrType		Type
+HiLink dylanintrIncluded	String
+HiLink dylanintrInclude	Include
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dylanintr"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/dylanlid.vim b/runtime/syntax/dylanlid.vim
index ec7b40114c..c7d2664005 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/dylanlid.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/dylanlid.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Last Change:	Fri Sep 29 13:50:20 PDT 2000
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -21,21 +18,13 @@ syn region	dylanlidEntry		matchgroup=Statement start=":%" end="$" oneline
 syn sync	lines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dylan_lid_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dylan_lid_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink dylanlidInfo		Type
-  HiLink dylanlidEntry		String
+HiLink dylanlidInfo		Type
+HiLink dylanlidEntry		String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "dylanlid"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ecd.vim b/runtime/syntax/ecd.vim
index fff7a4b883..728cf28116 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ecd.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ecd.vim
@@ -8,10 +8,8 @@
 " This syntax file was derived from apachestyle.vim
 " by Christian Hammers <ch@westend.com>
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -31,26 +29,18 @@ syn match  ecdTagN	contained +<[/\s]*[-a-zA-Z0-9_]\++ms=s+1
 syn match  ecdTagError	contained "[^>]<"ms=s+1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ecd_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ecd_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink ecdComment	Comment
-  HiLink ecdAttr	Type
-  HiLink ecdAttrN	Statement
-  HiLink ecdAttrV	Value
-  HiLink ecdTag		Function
-  HiLink ecdTagN	Statement
-  HiLink ecdTagError	Error
+HiLink ecdComment	Comment
+HiLink ecdAttr	Type
+HiLink ecdAttrN	Statement
+HiLink ecdAttrV	Value
+HiLink ecdTag		Function
+HiLink ecdTagN	Statement
+HiLink ecdTagError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ecd"
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/edif.vim b/runtime/syntax/edif.vim
index 0c17834947..21c7ec7a03 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/edif.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/edif.vim
@@ -8,18 +8,12 @@
 "   IEC 61690-1 (EDIF Version 3 0 0)
 "   IEC 61690-2 (EDIF Version 4 0 0)
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
- setlocal iskeyword=48-57,-,+,A-Z,a-z,_,&
-else
- set iskeyword=A-Z,a-z,_,&
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=48-57,-,+,A-Z,a-z,_,&
 
 syn region	edifList	matchgroup=Delimiter start="(" end=")" contains=edifList,edifKeyword,edifString,edifNumber
 
@@ -37,28 +31,17 @@ syn match       edifKeyword     "(\@<=\s*[a-zA-Z&][a-zA-Z_0-9]*\>" contained
 syn match       edifError       ")"
 
 " synchronization
-if version < 600
-  syntax sync maxlines=250
-else
-  syntax sync fromstart
-endif
+syntax sync fromstart
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_edif_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_edif_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink edifInString		SpecialChar
-  HiLink edifKeyword		Keyword
-  HiLink edifNumber		Number
-  HiLink edifInStringError	edifError
-  HiLink edifError		Error
-  HiLink edifString		String
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink edifInString		SpecialChar
+HiLink edifKeyword		Keyword
+HiLink edifNumber		Number
+HiLink edifInStringError	edifError
+HiLink edifError		Error
+HiLink edifString		String
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "edif"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/eiffel.vim b/runtime/syntax/eiffel.vim
index a91f85d03e..0ee5ea091f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/eiffel.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/eiffel.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Contributions from: Thilo Six
 " 
 " URL: https://github.com/eiffelhub/vim-eiffel
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -141,68 +138,60 @@ endif
 syn sync lines=40
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_eiffel_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_eiffel_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink eiffelKeyword		Statement
-  HiLink eiffelProperty		Statement
-  HiLink eiffelInheritClause	Statement
-  HiLink eiffelStatement	Statement
-  HiLink eiffelDeclaration	Statement
-  HiLink eiffelAssertion	Statement
-  HiLink eiffelDebug		Statement
-  HiLink eiffelException	Statement
-  HiLink eiffelGenericCreate	Statement
+HiLink eiffelKeyword		Statement
+HiLink eiffelProperty		Statement
+HiLink eiffelInheritClause	Statement
+HiLink eiffelStatement	Statement
+HiLink eiffelDeclaration	Statement
+HiLink eiffelAssertion	Statement
+HiLink eiffelDebug		Statement
+HiLink eiffelException	Statement
+HiLink eiffelGenericCreate	Statement
 
-  HiLink eiffelAgent		Statement
-  HiLink eiffelConvert		Statement
+HiLink eiffelAgent		Statement
+HiLink eiffelConvert		Statement
 
-  HiLink eiffelTopStruct	PreProc
+HiLink eiffelTopStruct	PreProc
 
-  HiLink eiffelAll		Special
-  HiLink eiffelAnchored		Special
-  HiLink eiffelBitType		Special
+HiLink eiffelAll		Special
+HiLink eiffelAnchored		Special
+HiLink eiffelBitType		Special
 
 
-  HiLink eiffelBool		Boolean
-  HiLink eiffelString		String
-  HiLink eiffelCharacter	Character
-  HiLink eiffelClassName	Type
-  HiLink eiffelNumber		Number
+HiLink eiffelBool		Boolean
+HiLink eiffelString		String
+HiLink eiffelCharacter	Character
+HiLink eiffelClassName	Type
+HiLink eiffelNumber		Number
 
-  HiLink eiffelStringEscape	Special
+HiLink eiffelStringEscape	Special
 
-  HiLink eiffelOperator		Special
-  HiLink eiffelArray		Special
-  HiLink eiffelExport		Special
-  HiLink eiffelCreation		Special
-  HiLink eiffelBrackets		Special
-  HiLink eiffelGeneric		Special
-  HiLink eiffelGenericDecl	Special
-  HiLink eiffelConstraint	Special
-  HiLink eiffelCreate		Special
+HiLink eiffelOperator		Special
+HiLink eiffelArray		Special
+HiLink eiffelExport		Special
+HiLink eiffelCreation		Special
+HiLink eiffelBrackets		Special
+HiLink eiffelGeneric		Special
+HiLink eiffelGenericDecl	Special
+HiLink eiffelConstraint	Special
+HiLink eiffelCreate		Special
 
-  HiLink eiffelPredefined	Constant
+HiLink eiffelPredefined	Constant
 
-  HiLink eiffelComment		Comment
+HiLink eiffelComment		Comment
 
-  HiLink eiffelError		Error
-  HiLink eiffelBadConstant	Error
-  HiLink eiffelStringError	Error
-  HiLink eiffelParenError	Error
-  HiLink eiffelBracketError	Error
+HiLink eiffelError		Error
+HiLink eiffelBadConstant	Error
+HiLink eiffelStringError	Error
+HiLink eiffelParenError	Error
+HiLink eiffelBracketError	Error
 
-  HiLink eiffelTodo		Todo
+HiLink eiffelTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "eiffel"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/elf.vim b/runtime/syntax/elf.vim
index 621e063ff8..7835f550fc 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/elf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/elf.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 "      This is the Applix Inc., Macro and Builder programming language.
 "      It has nothing in common with the binary format called ELF.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -63,32 +60,24 @@ syn match elfParens "[\[\]()]"
 syn match elfPunct "[,;]"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_elf_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_elf_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
-  HiLink elfComment Comment
-  HiLink elfPPCom Include
-  HiLink elfKeyword Keyword
-  HiLink elfSpecial Special
-  HiLink elfEnvironment Special
-  HiLink elfBraceError Error
-  HiLink elfConditional Conditional
-  HiLink elfMacro Function
-  HiLink elfNumber Number
-  HiLink elfString String
-  HiLink elfParens Delimiter
-  HiLink elfPunct Delimiter
+" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
+HiLink elfComment Comment
+HiLink elfPPCom Include
+HiLink elfKeyword Keyword
+HiLink elfSpecial Special
+HiLink elfEnvironment Special
+HiLink elfBraceError Error
+HiLink elfConditional Conditional
+HiLink elfMacro Function
+HiLink elfNumber Number
+HiLink elfString String
+HiLink elfParens Delimiter
+HiLink elfPunct Delimiter
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "elf"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/elmfilt.vim b/runtime/syntax/elmfilt.vim
index e7d5df22aa..5858946648 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/elmfilt.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/elmfilt.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Version:	6
 " URL:	http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#SYNTAX_ELMFILT
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -38,33 +35,25 @@ syn region	elmfiltString	contained	start="'" skip="'\(\\\\\)*\\['%]" end="'"	con
 syn match	elmfiltSpaceError	contained	"\s.*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_elmfilt_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_elmfilt_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink elmfiltAction	Statement
-  HiLink elmfiltArg	Special
-  HiLink elmfiltComment	Comment
-  HiLink elmfiltCond	Statement
-  HiLink elmfiltIf	Statement
-  HiLink elmfiltMatch	Special
-  HiLink elmfiltMatchError	Error
-  HiLink elmfiltNumber	Number
-  HiLink elmfiltOper	Operator
-  HiLink elmfiltOperKey	Type
-  HiLink elmfiltParenError	Error
-  HiLink elmfiltSpaceError	Error
-  HiLink elmfiltString	String
-  HiLink elmfiltThenError	Error
+HiLink elmfiltAction	Statement
+HiLink elmfiltArg	Special
+HiLink elmfiltComment	Comment
+HiLink elmfiltCond	Statement
+HiLink elmfiltIf	Statement
+HiLink elmfiltMatch	Special
+HiLink elmfiltMatchError	Error
+HiLink elmfiltNumber	Number
+HiLink elmfiltOper	Operator
+HiLink elmfiltOperKey	Type
+HiLink elmfiltParenError	Error
+HiLink elmfiltSpaceError	Error
+HiLink elmfiltString	String
+HiLink elmfiltThenError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "elmfilt"
 " vim: ts=9
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/erlang.vim b/runtime/syntax/erlang.vim
index 02597e75f3..a49f24ed14 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/erlang.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/erlang.vim
@@ -28,11 +28,8 @@
 "
 "     syn keyword erlangAttribute myattr1 myattr2 contained
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -42,9 +39,7 @@ set cpo&vim
 " Case sensitive
 syn case match
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword+=$,@-@
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword+=$,@-@
 
 " Comments
 syn match erlangComment           '%.*$' contains=erlangCommentAnnotation,erlangTodo
@@ -147,116 +142,108 @@ let b:erlang_syntax_synced = 1
 let s:old_style = (exists("g:erlang_old_style_highlight") &&
                   \g:erlang_old_style_highlight == 1)
 
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_erlang_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_erlang_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " Comments
-  HiLink erlangComment Comment
-  HiLink erlangCommentAnnotation Special
-  HiLink erlangTodo Todo
-  HiLink erlangShebang Comment
+" Comments
+HiLink erlangComment Comment
+HiLink erlangCommentAnnotation Special
+HiLink erlangTodo Todo
+HiLink erlangShebang Comment
 
-  " Numbers
-  HiLink erlangNumberInteger Number
-  HiLink erlangNumberFloat Float
+" Numbers
+HiLink erlangNumberInteger Number
+HiLink erlangNumberFloat Float
 
-  " Strings, atoms, characters
-  HiLink erlangString String
+" Strings, atoms, characters
+HiLink erlangString String
 
-  if s:old_style
-    HiLink erlangQuotedAtom Type
-  else
-    HiLink erlangQuotedAtom String
-  endif
-
-  HiLink erlangStringModifier Special
-  HiLink erlangQuotedAtomModifier Special
-  HiLink erlangModifier Special
-
-  " Operators, separators
-  HiLink erlangOperator Operator
-  HiLink erlangRightArrow Operator
-  if s:old_style
-    HiLink erlangBracket Normal
-    HiLink erlangPipe Normal
-  else
-    HiLink erlangBracket Delimiter
-    HiLink erlangPipe Delimiter
-  endif
-
-  " Atoms, functions, variables, macros
-  if s:old_style
-    HiLink erlangAtom Normal
-    HiLink erlangLocalFuncCall Normal
-    HiLink erlangLocalFuncRef Normal
-    HiLink erlangGlobalFuncCall Function
-    HiLink erlangGlobalFuncRef Function
-    HiLink erlangVariable Normal
-    HiLink erlangMacro Normal
-    HiLink erlangRecord Normal
-  else
-    HiLink erlangAtom String
-    HiLink erlangLocalFuncCall Normal
-    HiLink erlangLocalFuncRef Normal
-    HiLink erlangGlobalFuncCall Normal
-    HiLink erlangGlobalFuncRef Normal
-    HiLink erlangVariable Identifier
-    HiLink erlangMacro Macro
-    HiLink erlangRecord Structure
-  endif
-
-  " Bitstrings
-  if !s:old_style
-    HiLink erlangBitType Type
-  endif
-
-  " Constants and Directives
-  if s:old_style
-    HiLink erlangAttribute Type
-    HiLink erlangMacroDef Type
-    HiLink erlangUnknownAttribute Normal
-    HiLink erlangInclude Type
-    HiLink erlangRecordDef Type
-    HiLink erlangDefine Type
-    HiLink erlangPreCondit Type
-    HiLink erlangType Type
-  else
-    HiLink erlangAttribute Keyword
-    HiLink erlangMacroDef Macro
-    HiLink erlangUnknownAttribute Normal
-    HiLink erlangInclude Include
-    HiLink erlangRecordDef Keyword
-    HiLink erlangDefine Define
-    HiLink erlangPreCondit PreCondit
-    HiLink erlangType Type
-  endif
-
-  " Keywords
-  HiLink erlangKeyword Keyword
-
-  " Build-in-functions (BIFs)
-  HiLink erlangBIF Function
-
-  if s:old_style
-    HiLink erlangBoolean Statement
-    HiLink erlangExtra Statement
-    HiLink erlangSignal Statement
-  else
-    HiLink erlangBoolean Boolean
-    HiLink erlangExtra Statement
-    HiLink erlangSignal Statement
-  endif
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+if s:old_style
+HiLink erlangQuotedAtom Type
+else
+HiLink erlangQuotedAtom String
 endif
 
+HiLink erlangStringModifier Special
+HiLink erlangQuotedAtomModifier Special
+HiLink erlangModifier Special
+
+" Operators, separators
+HiLink erlangOperator Operator
+HiLink erlangRightArrow Operator
+if s:old_style
+HiLink erlangBracket Normal
+HiLink erlangPipe Normal
+else
+HiLink erlangBracket Delimiter
+HiLink erlangPipe Delimiter
+endif
+
+" Atoms, functions, variables, macros
+if s:old_style
+HiLink erlangAtom Normal
+HiLink erlangLocalFuncCall Normal
+HiLink erlangLocalFuncRef Normal
+HiLink erlangGlobalFuncCall Function
+HiLink erlangGlobalFuncRef Function
+HiLink erlangVariable Normal
+HiLink erlangMacro Normal
+HiLink erlangRecord Normal
+else
+HiLink erlangAtom String
+HiLink erlangLocalFuncCall Normal
+HiLink erlangLocalFuncRef Normal
+HiLink erlangGlobalFuncCall Normal
+HiLink erlangGlobalFuncRef Normal
+HiLink erlangVariable Identifier
+HiLink erlangMacro Macro
+HiLink erlangRecord Structure
+endif
+
+" Bitstrings
+if !s:old_style
+HiLink erlangBitType Type
+endif
+
+" Constants and Directives
+if s:old_style
+HiLink erlangAttribute Type
+HiLink erlangMacroDef Type
+HiLink erlangUnknownAttribute Normal
+HiLink erlangInclude Type
+HiLink erlangRecordDef Type
+HiLink erlangDefine Type
+HiLink erlangPreCondit Type
+HiLink erlangType Type
+else
+HiLink erlangAttribute Keyword
+HiLink erlangMacroDef Macro
+HiLink erlangUnknownAttribute Normal
+HiLink erlangInclude Include
+HiLink erlangRecordDef Keyword
+HiLink erlangDefine Define
+HiLink erlangPreCondit PreCondit
+HiLink erlangType Type
+endif
+
+" Keywords
+HiLink erlangKeyword Keyword
+
+" Build-in-functions (BIFs)
+HiLink erlangBIF Function
+
+if s:old_style
+HiLink erlangBoolean Statement
+HiLink erlangExtra Statement
+HiLink erlangSignal Statement
+else
+HiLink erlangBoolean Boolean
+HiLink erlangExtra Statement
+HiLink erlangSignal Statement
+endif
+
+delcommand HiLink
+
 let b:current_syntax = "erlang"
 
 let &cpo = s:cpo_save
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/eruby.vim b/runtime/syntax/eruby.vim
index c20b086ba5..4e175bcc25 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/eruby.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/eruby.vim
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ elseif !exists("b:eruby_subtype") && main_syntax == 'eruby'
   let s:lines = getline(1)."\n".getline(2)."\n".getline(3)."\n".getline(4)."\n".getline(5)."\n".getline("$")
   let b:eruby_subtype = matchstr(s:lines,'eruby_subtype=\zs\w\+')
   if b:eruby_subtype == ''
-    let b:eruby_subtype = matchstr(substitute(expand("%:t"),'\c\%(\.erb\|\.eruby\|\.erubis\)\+$','',''),'\.\zs\w\+$')
+    let b:eruby_subtype = matchstr(substitute(expand("%:t"),'\c\%(\.erb\|\.eruby\|\.erubis\)\+$','',''),'\.\zs\w\+\%(\ze+\w\+\)\=$')
   endif
   if b:eruby_subtype == 'rhtml'
     let b:eruby_subtype = 'html'
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/esmtprc.vim b/runtime/syntax/esmtprc.vim
index b22b1a1416..81f074b59c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/esmtprc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/esmtprc.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Kornel Kielczewski <kornel@gazeta.pl>
 " Last Change:	16 Feb 2005
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/esqlc.vim b/runtime/syntax/esqlc.vim
index 6ad167a7e6..ea36d66e1a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/esqlc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/esqlc.vim
@@ -3,20 +3,13 @@
 " Maintainer:	Jonathan A. George <jageorge@tel.gte.com>
 " Last Change:	2001 May 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C++ syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/cpp.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
 
 " ESQL-C extentions
 
@@ -52,24 +45,16 @@ syntax keyword esqlcStatement	rename revoke rollback savepoint select set
 syntax keyword esqlcStatement	truncate update
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_esqlc_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_esqlc_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink esqlcOperator	Operator
-  HiLink esqlcStatement	Statement
-  HiLink esqlcKeyword	esqlcSpecial
-  HiLink esqlcSpecial	Special
-  HiLink esqlcPreProc	PreProc
+HiLink esqlcOperator	Operator
+HiLink esqlcStatement	Statement
+HiLink esqlcKeyword	esqlcSpecial
+HiLink esqlcSpecial	Special
+HiLink esqlcPreProc	PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "esqlc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/esterel.vim b/runtime/syntax/esterel.vim
index d853e75208..0540843cd8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/esterel.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/esterel.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Last Change:		Tue May  6 13:29:56 CEST 2008
 " Version:			0.8
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -65,26 +62,19 @@ syn match esterelNone			"\<else\s\+if\>$"
 syn match esterelNone			"\<else\s\+if\>\s"
 
 " Class Linking
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_esterel_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_esterel_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink esterelStatement		Statement
-	HiLink esterelType			Type
-	HiLink esterelComment		Comment
-	HiLink esterelBoolean		Number
-	HiLink esterelExpressions	Number
-	HiLink esterelIO			String
-	HiLink esterelOperator		Type
-	HiLink esterelSysCall		Type
-	HiLink esterelFunctions		Type
-	HiLink esterelSpecial		Special
+HiLink esterelStatement		Statement
+HiLink esterelType			Type
+HiLink esterelComment		Comment
+HiLink esterelBoolean		Number
+HiLink esterelExpressions	Number
+HiLink esterelIO			String
+HiLink esterelOperator		Type
+HiLink esterelSysCall		Type
+HiLink esterelFunctions		Type
+HiLink esterelSpecial		Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "esterel"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/euphoria3.vim b/runtime/syntax/euphoria3.vim
index 1254b96247..ece14027ba 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/euphoria3.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/euphoria3.vim
@@ -5,10 +5,8 @@
 " Remark:       Euphoria has two syntax files, euphoria3.vim and euphoria4.vim; 
 "               For details see :help ft-euphoria-syntax
 
-" Quit if a (custom) syntax file was already loaded (compatible with Vim 5.8): 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/euphoria4.vim b/runtime/syntax/euphoria4.vim
index 53f5cea917..5e668a7d67 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/euphoria4.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/euphoria4.vim
@@ -5,10 +5,8 @@
 " Remark:       Euphoria has two syntax files, euphoria3.vim and euphoria4.vim; 
 "               For details see :help ft-euphoria-syntax
 
-" Quit if a (custom) syntax file was already loaded (compatible with Vim 5.8): 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/eviews.vim b/runtime/syntax/eviews.vim
index aa65fda3ff..7d039c2122 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/eviews.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/eviews.vim
@@ -4,19 +4,12 @@
 " Last Change:  2006 Apr 30
 " Filenames:	*.prg
 " URL:	http://uosis.mif.vu.lt/~zemlys/vim-syntax/eviews.vim
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,.
-else
-  set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,.
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,.
 
 syn case match
 
@@ -69,35 +62,27 @@ syn match eCurlyError /[)\]]/ contained
 syn match eParenError /[\]}]/ contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_r_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_r_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink eComment     Comment
-  HiLink eConstant    Identifier
-  HiLink eStringId    Identifier
-  HiLink eCommand     Type
-  HiLink eString      String
-  HiLink eNumber      Number
-  HiLink eBoolean     Boolean
-  HiLink eFloat       Float
-  HiLink eConditional Conditional
-  HiLink eProgLang    Statement
-  HiLink eOVP	      Statement
-  HiLink eStdCmd      Statement
-  HiLink eIdentifier  Normal
-  HiLink eDelimiter   Delimiter
-  HiLink eError       Error
-  HiLink eBraceError  Error
-  HiLink eCurlyError  Error
-  HiLink eParenError  Error
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink eComment     Comment
+HiLink eConstant    Identifier
+HiLink eStringId    Identifier
+HiLink eCommand     Type
+HiLink eString      String
+HiLink eNumber      Number
+HiLink eBoolean     Boolean
+HiLink eFloat       Float
+HiLink eConditional Conditional
+HiLink eProgLang    Statement
+HiLink eOVP	      Statement
+HiLink eStdCmd      Statement
+HiLink eIdentifier  Normal
+HiLink eDelimiter   Delimiter
+HiLink eError       Error
+HiLink eBraceError  Error
+HiLink eCurlyError  Error
+HiLink eParenError  Error
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax="eviews"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/exim.vim b/runtime/syntax/exim.vim
index ff8066f8af..f9017acb1e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/exim.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/exim.vim
@@ -6,12 +6,9 @@
 " URL: http://trific.ath.cx/Ftp/vim/syntax/exim.vim
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-	if exists("b:current_syntax")
-		finish
-	endif
-else
-	syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+	finish
 endif
 
 syn case match
@@ -91,27 +88,20 @@ syn keyword eximKeyword server_prompts server_condition client_send
 syn keyword eximKeyword server_secret client_name client_secret
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_exim_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_exim_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink eximComment Comment
-	HiLink eximFixme Todo
-	HiLink eximEnd Keyword
-	HiLink eximNumber Number
-	HiLink eximDriverName Constant
-	HiLink eximConstant Constant
-	HiLink eximTime Constant
-	HiLink eximKeyword Type
-	HiLink eximSpecialChar Special
-	HiLink eximMacroName Preproc
-	HiLink eximTransport Identifier
+HiLink eximComment Comment
+HiLink eximFixme Todo
+HiLink eximEnd Keyword
+HiLink eximNumber Number
+HiLink eximDriverName Constant
+HiLink eximConstant Constant
+HiLink eximTime Constant
+HiLink eximKeyword Type
+HiLink eximSpecialChar Special
+HiLink eximMacroName Preproc
+HiLink eximTransport Identifier
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "exim"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/expect.vim b/runtime/syntax/expect.vim
index 6ff7d4142c..4f05259fc1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/expect.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/expect.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2012 Jun 01
 " 		(Dominique Pelle added @Spell)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -81,35 +78,27 @@ syn match   expectComment	"#.*$" contains=@Spell,expectTodo
 syn match   expectSharpBang	"\%^#!.*"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_expect_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_expect_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink expectSharpBang	PreProc
-  HiLink expectVariables	Special
-  HiLink expectCommand		Function
-  HiLink expectStatement	Statement
-  HiLink expectConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink expectRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink expectExpectOpts	Keyword
-  HiLink expectOutVar		Special
-  HiLink expectSpecial		Special
-  HiLink expectNumber		Number
+HiLink expectSharpBang	PreProc
+HiLink expectVariables	Special
+HiLink expectCommand		Function
+HiLink expectStatement	Statement
+HiLink expectConditional	Conditional
+HiLink expectRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink expectExpectOpts	Keyword
+HiLink expectOutVar		Special
+HiLink expectSpecial		Special
+HiLink expectNumber		Number
 
-  HiLink expectString		String
+HiLink expectString		String
 
-  HiLink expectComment		Comment
-  HiLink expectTodo		Todo
-  "HiLink expectIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink expectComment		Comment
+HiLink expectTodo		Todo
+"HiLink expectIdentifier	Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "expect"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/exports.vim b/runtime/syntax/exports.vim
index f695dc8d21..aa6b76a5b0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/exports.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/exports.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Notes:		This file includes both SysV and BSD 'isms
 " URL:	http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#SYNTAX_EXPORTS
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -39,32 +36,24 @@ syn match exportsSeparator	"[,:]"
 syn match exportsComment	"^\s*#.*$"	contains=@Spell
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_exports_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_exports_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink exportsKeyOptSet	exportsKeySettings
-  HiLink exportsOptSet	exportsSettings
+HiLink exportsKeyOptSet	exportsKeySettings
+HiLink exportsOptSet	exportsSettings
 
-  HiLink exportsComment	Comment
-  HiLink exportsKeyOptions	Type
-  HiLink exportsKeySettings	Keyword
-  HiLink exportsOptions	Constant
-  HiLink exportsSeparator	Constant
-  HiLink exportsSettings	Constant
+HiLink exportsComment	Comment
+HiLink exportsKeyOptions	Type
+HiLink exportsKeySettings	Keyword
+HiLink exportsOptions	Constant
+HiLink exportsSeparator	Constant
+HiLink exportsSettings	Constant
 
-  HiLink exportsOptError	Error
-  HiLink exportsOptSetError	Error
-  HiLink exportsSetError	Error
+HiLink exportsOptError	Error
+HiLink exportsOptSetError	Error
+HiLink exportsSetError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "exports"
 " vim: ts=10
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/fasm.vim b/runtime/syntax/fasm.vim
index 696e05b4ca..172ba7c9b6 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/fasm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/fasm.vim
@@ -6,9 +6,8 @@
 " FASM Home:	http://flatassembler.net/
 " FASM Version: 1.56
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/fdcc.vim b/runtime/syntax/fdcc.vim
index 38717ebfb8..422fd31dae 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/fdcc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/fdcc.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2004 May 16
 " Remarks:      FDCC (Formal Definitions of Cultural Conventions) see ISO TR 14652
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -58,56 +55,48 @@ syn region fdccBlank matchgroup=fdccLCName start=/^LC_NAME$/ end=/^END LC_NAME$/
 syn region fdccBlank matchgroup=fdccLCAddress start=/^LC_ADDRESS$/ end=/^END LC_ADDRESS$/ contains=fdccKeywordAddress,fdccString,fdccComment,fdccNumber
 
 
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_fdcc_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_fdcc_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink fdccBlank		 Blank
+HiLink fdccBlank		 Blank
 
-  HiLink fdccTodo		 Todo
-  HiLink fdccComment		 Comment
-  HiLink fdccVariable		 Type
+HiLink fdccTodo		 Todo
+HiLink fdccComment		 Comment
+HiLink fdccVariable		 Type
 
-  HiLink fdccLCIdentification	 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCCtype		 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCCollate		 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCMonetary		 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCNumeric		 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCTime		 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCMessages		 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCPaper		 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCTelephone	 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCMeasurement	 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCName		 Statement
-  HiLink fdccLCAddress		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCIdentification	 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCCtype		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCCollate		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCMonetary		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCNumeric		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCTime		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCMessages		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCPaper		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCTelephone	 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCMeasurement	 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCName		 Statement
+HiLink fdccLCAddress		 Statement
 
-  HiLink fdccUnicodeInValid	 Error
-  HiLink fdccUnicodeValid	 String
-  HiLink fdccString		 String
-  HiLink fdccNumber		 Blank
+HiLink fdccUnicodeInValid	 Error
+HiLink fdccUnicodeValid	 String
+HiLink fdccString		 String
+HiLink fdccNumber		 Blank
 
-  HiLink fdccKeywordIdentification fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordCtype	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordCollate	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordMonetary	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordNumeric	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordTime	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordMessages	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordPaper	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordTelephone	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordMeasurement    fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordName	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeywordAddress	   fdccKeyword
-  HiLink fdccKeyword		   Identifier
+HiLink fdccKeywordIdentification fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordCtype	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordCollate	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordMonetary	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordNumeric	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordTime	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordMessages	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordPaper	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordTelephone	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordMeasurement    fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordName	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeywordAddress	   fdccKeyword
+HiLink fdccKeyword		   Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "fdcc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/fgl.vim b/runtime/syntax/fgl.vim
index 1b2fe19a88..e45e31c395 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/fgl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/fgl.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " - Conditionally allow case insensitive keywords (Julian Bridle)
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -119,28 +116,20 @@ syn match fglSpecial	"--@"
 syn sync ccomment fglComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_fgl_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_fgl_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink fglComment	Comment
-  "HiLink fglKeyword	fglSpecial
-  HiLink fglKeyword	fglStatement
-  HiLink fglNumber	Number
-  HiLink fglOperator	fglStatement
-  HiLink fglSpecial	Special
-  HiLink fglStatement	Statement
-  HiLink fglString	String
-  HiLink fglType	Type
+HiLink fglComment	Comment
+"HiLink fglKeyword	fglSpecial
+HiLink fglKeyword	fglStatement
+HiLink fglNumber	Number
+HiLink fglOperator	fglStatement
+HiLink fglSpecial	Special
+HiLink fglStatement	Statement
+HiLink fglString	String
+HiLink fglType	Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "fgl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/flexwiki.vim b/runtime/syntax/flexwiki.vim
index 34f893d927..6b15ab2d90 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/flexwiki.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/flexwiki.vim
@@ -14,10 +14,8 @@
 " regexes, which use a different syntax than Vim (fewer \s).
 " The primary test case is FlexWiki\FormattingRules.wiki
 
-" Quit if syntax file is already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/focexec.vim b/runtime/syntax/focexec.vim
index 8be1b65cc4..54f4c0d55a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/focexec.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/focexec.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 " I think some of these things should get different hilights -
 "  should MODIFY commands look different than TABLE?
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -69,32 +66,24 @@ syn match   focexecNumber	"\<\d\+\.\d*\>"
 syn match   focexecComment	"-\*.*"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_focexec_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_focexec_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink focexecString1		String
-  HiLink focexecString2		String
-  HiLink focexecNumber		Number
-  HiLink focexecComment		Comment
-  HiLink focexecTable		Keyword
-  HiLink focexecModify		Keyword
-  HiLink focexecNormal		Keyword
-  HiLink focexecSet		Keyword
-  HiLink focexecDash		Keyword
-  HiLink focexecFileDef		Keyword
-  HiLink focexecJoin		Keyword
-  HiLink focexecAmperVar	Identifier
-  HiLink focexecFuse		Function
+HiLink focexecString1		String
+HiLink focexecString2		String
+HiLink focexecNumber		Number
+HiLink focexecComment		Comment
+HiLink focexecTable		Keyword
+HiLink focexecModify		Keyword
+HiLink focexecNormal		Keyword
+HiLink focexecSet		Keyword
+HiLink focexecDash		Keyword
+HiLink focexecFileDef		Keyword
+HiLink focexecJoin		Keyword
+HiLink focexecAmperVar	Identifier
+HiLink focexecFuse		Function
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "focexec"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/form.vim b/runtime/syntax/form.vim
index 19a47ed6b9..abd1c489dd 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/form.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/form.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 " This syntax file is still in development. Please send suggestions
 " to the maintainer.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -109,49 +106,41 @@ syn match   formDirective	"^\=\.[a-zA-z][a-zA-Z0-9]*\>"
 syn sync ccomment formComment minlines=10
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_form_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_form_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink formConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink formNumber		Number
-  HiLink formStatement		Statement
-  HiLink formComment		Comment
-  HiLink formPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink formDirective		PreProc
-  HiLink formType		Type
-  HiLink formString		String
-  HiLink formNestedString	String
-  HiLink formReserved           Error
-  HiLink formTodo               Todo
-  HiLink formSpecial            SpecialChar
+HiLink formConditional	Conditional
+HiLink formNumber		Number
+HiLink formStatement		Statement
+HiLink formComment		Comment
+HiLink formPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink formDirective		PreProc
+HiLink formType		Type
+HiLink formString		String
+HiLink formNestedString	String
+HiLink formReserved           Error
+HiLink formTodo               Todo
+HiLink formSpecial            SpecialChar
 
-  if !exists("form_enhanced_color")
-    HiLink formHeaderStatement	Statement
-  else
-  " enhanced color mode
-    HiLink formHeaderStatement	HeaderStatement
-    " dark and a light background for local types
-    if &background == "dark"
-      hi HeaderStatement term=underline ctermfg=LightGreen guifg=LightGreen gui=bold
-    else
-      hi HeaderStatement term=underline ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=SeaGreen gui=bold
-    endif
-    " change slightly the default for dark gvim
-    if has("gui_running") && &background == "dark"
-      hi Conditional guifg=LightBlue gui=bold
-      hi Statement guifg=LightYellow
-    endif
-  endif
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+if !exists("form_enhanced_color")
+HiLink formHeaderStatement	Statement
+else
+" enhanced color mode
+HiLink formHeaderStatement	HeaderStatement
+" dark and a light background for local types
+if &background == "dark"
+hi HeaderStatement term=underline ctermfg=LightGreen guifg=LightGreen gui=bold
+else
+hi HeaderStatement term=underline ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=SeaGreen gui=bold
 endif
+" change slightly the default for dark gvim
+if has("gui_running") && &background == "dark"
+hi Conditional guifg=LightBlue gui=bold
+hi Statement guifg=LightYellow
+endif
+endif
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
   let b:current_syntax = "form"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/forth.vim b/runtime/syntax/forth.vim
index 99e9400b95..2559779f54 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/forth.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/forth.vim
@@ -80,11 +80,8 @@
 "
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -104,11 +101,7 @@ syn match forthTodo contained 'Copyright\(\s([Cc])\)\=\(\s[0-9]\{2,4}\)\='
 
 " Characters allowed in keywords
 " I don't know if 128-255 are allowed in ANS-FORTH
-if version >= 600
-    setlocal iskeyword=!,@,33-35,%,$,38-64,A-Z,91-96,a-z,123-126,128-255
-else
-    set iskeyword=!,@,33-35,%,$,38-64,A-Z,91-96,a-z,123-126,128-255
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=!,@,33-35,%,$,38-64,A-Z,91-96,a-z,123-126,128-255
 
 " when wanted, highlight trailing white space
 if exists("forth_space_errors")
@@ -289,56 +282,48 @@ syn match forthLocals '{ }' " otherwise, at least two spaces between
 syn region forthDeprecated start='locals|' end='|'
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_forth_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_forth_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    " The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
-    HiLink forthTodo Todo
-    HiLink forthOperators Operator
-    HiLink forthMath Number
-    HiLink forthInteger Number
-    HiLink forthFloat Float
-    HiLink forthStack Special
-    HiLink forthRstack Special
-    HiLink forthFStack Special
-    HiLink forthSP Special
-    HiLink forthMemory Function
-    HiLink forthAdrArith Function
-    HiLink forthMemBlks Function
-    HiLink forthCond Conditional
-    HiLink forthLoop Repeat
-    HiLink forthColonDef Define
-    HiLink forthEndOfColonDef Define
-    HiLink forthDefine Define
-    HiLink forthDebug Debug
-    HiLink forthAssembler Include
-    HiLink forthCharOps Character
-    HiLink forthConversion String
-    HiLink forthForth Statement
-    HiLink forthVocs Statement
-    HiLink forthString String
-    HiLink forthComment Comment
-    HiLink forthClassDef Define
-    HiLink forthEndOfClassDef Define
-    HiLink forthObjectDef Define
-    HiLink forthEndOfObjectDef Define
-    HiLink forthInclude Include
-    HiLink forthLocals Type " nothing else uses type and locals must stand out
-    HiLink forthDeprecated Error " if you must, change to Type
-    HiLink forthFileMode Function
-    HiLink forthFileWords Statement
-    HiLink forthBlocks Statement
-    HiLink forthSpaceError Error
+" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
+HiLink forthTodo Todo
+HiLink forthOperators Operator
+HiLink forthMath Number
+HiLink forthInteger Number
+HiLink forthFloat Float
+HiLink forthStack Special
+HiLink forthRstack Special
+HiLink forthFStack Special
+HiLink forthSP Special
+HiLink forthMemory Function
+HiLink forthAdrArith Function
+HiLink forthMemBlks Function
+HiLink forthCond Conditional
+HiLink forthLoop Repeat
+HiLink forthColonDef Define
+HiLink forthEndOfColonDef Define
+HiLink forthDefine Define
+HiLink forthDebug Debug
+HiLink forthAssembler Include
+HiLink forthCharOps Character
+HiLink forthConversion String
+HiLink forthForth Statement
+HiLink forthVocs Statement
+HiLink forthString String
+HiLink forthComment Comment
+HiLink forthClassDef Define
+HiLink forthEndOfClassDef Define
+HiLink forthObjectDef Define
+HiLink forthEndOfObjectDef Define
+HiLink forthInclude Include
+HiLink forthLocals Type " nothing else uses type and locals must stand out
+HiLink forthDeprecated Error " if you must, change to Type
+HiLink forthFileMode Function
+HiLink forthFileWords Statement
+HiLink forthBlocks Statement
+HiLink forthSpaceError Error
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "forth"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/fortran.vim b/runtime/syntax/fortran.vim
index 06e5390c60..0b56f5b3ad 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/fortran.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/fortran.vim
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 " Vim syntax file
 " Language:	Fortran 2008 (and older: Fortran 2003, 95, 90, and 77)
 " Version:	0.98
-" Last Change:	2016 Aug. 26
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug. 29
 " Maintainer:	Ajit J. Thakkar <ajit@unb.ca>; <http://www2.unb.ca/~ajit/>
 " Usage:	For instructions, do :help fortran-syntax from Vim
 " Credits:
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 "  Andrej Panjkov, Bram Moolenaar, Thomas Olsen, Michael Sternberg, Christian Reile,
 "  Walter Dieudonné, Alexander Wagner, Roman Bertle, Charles Rendleman,
 "  Andrew Griffiths, Joe Krahn, Hendrik Merx, Matt Thompson, Jan Hermann,
-"  Stefano Zaghi and Vishnu Krishnan.
+"  Stefano Zaghi and Vishnu V. Krishnan.
 
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
@@ -368,6 +368,7 @@ else
 endif
 
 syn match fortranComment	excludenl "!.*$" contains=@fortranCommentGroup,@spell
+syn match fortranOpenMP		excludenl 		"^\s*!\$\(OMP\)\=\s.*$"
 
 "cpp is often used with Fortran
 syn match	cPreProc		"^\s*#\s*\(define\|ifdef\)\>.*"
@@ -517,6 +518,7 @@ hi def link cIncluded		fortranString
 hi def link cInclude		Include
 hi def link cPreProc		PreProc
 hi def link cPreCondit		PreCondit
+hi def link fortranOpenMP       PreProc
 hi def link fortranParenError	Error
 hi def link fortranComment	Comment
 hi def link fortranSerialNumber	Todo
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/foxpro.vim b/runtime/syntax/foxpro.vim
index ca5d7e2f9d..b329368b34 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/foxpro.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/foxpro.vim
@@ -13,9 +13,8 @@
 " 		corrected highlighting of comments at end of line (&&)
 " 
 " 
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -691,37 +690,29 @@ syn match foxproParenErr ")"
 syn sync minlines=1 maxlines=3
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_foxpro_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_foxpro_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink foxproSpecial  Special
-    HiLink foxproAtSymbol Special
-    HiLink foxproAtCmd    Statement
-    HiLink foxproPreProc  PreProc
-    HiLink foxproFunc     Identifier
-    HiLink foxproCmd      Statement
-    HiLink foxproEnBlk    Type
-    HiLink foxproSysVar   String
-    HiLink foxproString   String
-    HiLink foxproConst    Constant
-    HiLink foxproNumber   Number
-    HiLink foxproFloat    Float
-    HiLink foxproComment  Comment
-    HiLink foxproParenErr Error
-    HiLink foxproCBConst  PreProc
-    HiLink foxproCBField  Special
-    HiLink foxproCBVar    Identifier
-    HiLink foxproCBWin    Special
-    HiLink foxproCBObject Identifier
+HiLink foxproSpecial  Special
+HiLink foxproAtSymbol Special
+HiLink foxproAtCmd    Statement
+HiLink foxproPreProc  PreProc
+HiLink foxproFunc     Identifier
+HiLink foxproCmd      Statement
+HiLink foxproEnBlk    Type
+HiLink foxproSysVar   String
+HiLink foxproString   String
+HiLink foxproConst    Constant
+HiLink foxproNumber   Number
+HiLink foxproFloat    Float
+HiLink foxproComment  Comment
+HiLink foxproParenErr Error
+HiLink foxproCBConst  PreProc
+HiLink foxproCBField  Special
+HiLink foxproCBVar    Identifier
+HiLink foxproCBWin    Special
+HiLink foxproCBObject Identifier
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "foxpro"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/fstab.vim b/runtime/syntax/fstab.vim
index 3006d21fea..a17fc809a5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/fstab.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/fstab.vim
@@ -19,9 +19,8 @@
 "   let fstab_unknown_device_errors = 0
 "     do not highlight unknown devices as errors
 
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -229,66 +228,59 @@ syn match fsFreqPass /\s\+.\{-}$/ contains=@fsFreqPassCluster,@fsGeneralCluster
 " Whole line comments
 syn match fsCommentLine /^#.*$/ contains=@Spell
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_config_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_config_syntax_inits = 1
-		command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink fsOperator Operator
-	HiLink fsComment Comment
-	HiLink fsCommentLine Comment
+HiLink fsOperator Operator
+HiLink fsComment Comment
+HiLink fsCommentLine Comment
 
-	HiLink fsTypeKeyword Type
-	HiLink fsDeviceKeyword Identifier
-	HiLink fsDeviceLabel String
-	HiLink fsDeviceUUID String
-	HiLink fsDeviceSshfs String
-	HiLink fsFreqPassNumber Number
+HiLink fsTypeKeyword Type
+HiLink fsDeviceKeyword Identifier
+HiLink fsDeviceLabel String
+HiLink fsDeviceUUID String
+HiLink fsDeviceSshfs String
+HiLink fsFreqPassNumber Number
 
-	if exists('fstab_unknown_fs_errors') && fstab_unknown_fs_errors == 1
-		HiLink fsTypeUnknown Error
-	endif
-
-	if !exists('fstab_unknown_device_errors') || fstab_unknown_device_errors == 1
-		HiLink fsDeviceError Error
-	endif
-
-	HiLink fsMountPointError Error
-	HiLink fsMountPointKeyword Keyword
-	HiLink fsFreqPassError Error
-
-	HiLink fsOptionsGeneral Type
-	HiLink fsOptionsKeywords Keyword
-	HiLink fsOptionsNumber Number
-	HiLink fsOptionsNumberOctal Number
-	HiLink fsOptionsString String
-	HiLink fsOptionsSize Number
-	HiLink fsOptionsExt2Check String
-	HiLink fsOptionsExt2Errors String
-	HiLink fsOptionsExt3Journal String
-	HiLink fsOptionsExt3Data String
-	HiLink fsOptionsExt4Journal String
-	HiLink fsOptionsExt4Data String
-	HiLink fsOptionsExt4Barrier Number
-	HiLink fsOptionsFatCheck String
-	HiLink fsOptionsConv String
-	HiLink fsOptionsFatType Number
-	HiLink fsOptionsYesNo String
-	HiLink fsOptionsHpfsCase String
-	HiLink fsOptionsIsoMap String
-	HiLink fsOptionsReiserHash String
-	HiLink fsOptionsSshYesNoAsk String
-	HiLink fsOptionsUfsType String
-	HiLink fsOptionsUfsError String
-
-	HiLink fsOptionsVfatShortname String
-
-	delcommand HiLink
+if exists('fstab_unknown_fs_errors') && fstab_unknown_fs_errors == 1
+HiLink fsTypeUnknown Error
 endif
 
+if !exists('fstab_unknown_device_errors') || fstab_unknown_device_errors == 1
+HiLink fsDeviceError Error
+endif
+
+HiLink fsMountPointError Error
+HiLink fsMountPointKeyword Keyword
+HiLink fsFreqPassError Error
+
+HiLink fsOptionsGeneral Type
+HiLink fsOptionsKeywords Keyword
+HiLink fsOptionsNumber Number
+HiLink fsOptionsNumberOctal Number
+HiLink fsOptionsString String
+HiLink fsOptionsSize Number
+HiLink fsOptionsExt2Check String
+HiLink fsOptionsExt2Errors String
+HiLink fsOptionsExt3Journal String
+HiLink fsOptionsExt3Data String
+HiLink fsOptionsExt4Journal String
+HiLink fsOptionsExt4Data String
+HiLink fsOptionsExt4Barrier Number
+HiLink fsOptionsFatCheck String
+HiLink fsOptionsConv String
+HiLink fsOptionsFatType Number
+HiLink fsOptionsYesNo String
+HiLink fsOptionsHpfsCase String
+HiLink fsOptionsIsoMap String
+HiLink fsOptionsReiserHash String
+HiLink fsOptionsSshYesNoAsk String
+HiLink fsOptionsUfsType String
+HiLink fsOptionsUfsError String
+
+HiLink fsOptionsVfatShortname String
+
+delcommand HiLink
+
 let b:current_syntax = "fstab"
 
 let &cpo = s:cpo_save
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/fvwm2m4.vim b/runtime/syntax/fvwm2m4.vim
index 243da18fa7..e296273e31 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/fvwm2m4.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/fvwm2m4.vim
@@ -5,12 +5,9 @@
 " URI: http://physics.muni.cz/~yeti/download/syntax/fvwmm4.vim
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-  if exists('b:current_syntax')
-    finish
-  endif
-else
-  syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists('b:current_syntax')
+  finish
 endif
 
 " Let included files know they are included
@@ -19,19 +16,11 @@ if !exists('main_syntax')
 endif
 
 " Include M4 syntax
-if version >= 600
-  runtime! syntax/m4.vim
-else
-  so <sfile>:p:h/m4.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/m4.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " Include Fvwm2 syntax (Fvwm1 doesn't have M4 preprocessor)
-if version >= 600
-  runtime! syntax/fvwm.vim
-else
-  so <sfile>:p:h/fvwm.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/fvwm.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " That's all!
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gdb.vim b/runtime/syntax/gdb.vim
index 64e89cce7f..677f948172 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gdb.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gdb.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.fleiner.com/vim/syntax/gdb.vim
 " Last Change:	2012 Oct 05
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -87,27 +84,19 @@ endif
 exec "syn sync ccomment gdbComment minlines=" . gdb_minlines
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_gdb_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_gdb_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink gdbFuncDef	Function
-  HiLink gdbComment	Comment
-  HiLink gdbStatement	Statement
-  HiLink gdbString	String
-  HiLink gdbCharacter	Character
-  HiLink gdbVariable	Identifier
-  HiLink gdbSet		Constant
-  HiLink gdbInfo	Type
-  HiLink gdbDocument	Special
-  HiLink gdbNumber	Number
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink gdbFuncDef	Function
+HiLink gdbComment	Comment
+HiLink gdbStatement	Statement
+HiLink gdbString	String
+HiLink gdbCharacter	Character
+HiLink gdbVariable	Identifier
+HiLink gdbSet		Constant
+HiLink gdbInfo	Type
+HiLink gdbDocument	Special
+HiLink gdbNumber	Number
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "gdb"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gdmo.vim b/runtime/syntax/gdmo.vim
index 86c6d5c76c..d9cebae1de 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gdmo.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gdmo.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " URL:		http://classicalprogrammer.wikidot.com/local--files/vim-syntax-file-for-gdmo/gdmo.vim
 " Last change:	8th June, 2011
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -64,32 +61,24 @@ syn match gdmoBraces     "[{}]"
 syn sync ccomment gdmoComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_gdmo_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_gdmo_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink gdmoCategory	      Structure
-  HiLink gdmoRelationship     Macro
-  HiLink gdmoDefinition       Statement
-  HiLink gdmoReference	      Type
-  HiLink gdmoExtension	      Operator
-  HiLink gdmoBraces	      Function
-  HiLink gdmoSpecial	      Special
-  HiLink gdmoString	      String
-  HiLink gdmoCharacter	      Character
-  HiLink gdmoSpecialCharacter gdmoSpecial
-  HiLink gdmoComment	      Comment
-  HiLink gdmoLineComment      gdmoComment
-  HiLink gdmoType	      Type
+HiLink gdmoCategory	      Structure
+HiLink gdmoRelationship     Macro
+HiLink gdmoDefinition       Statement
+HiLink gdmoReference	      Type
+HiLink gdmoExtension	      Operator
+HiLink gdmoBraces	      Function
+HiLink gdmoSpecial	      Special
+HiLink gdmoString	      String
+HiLink gdmoCharacter	      Character
+HiLink gdmoSpecialCharacter gdmoSpecial
+HiLink gdmoComment	      Comment
+HiLink gdmoLineComment      gdmoComment
+HiLink gdmoType	      Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "gdmo"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gedcom.vim b/runtime/syntax/gedcom.vim
index 98851cc942..40a17863f8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gedcom.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gedcom.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Paul Johnson (pjcj@transeda.com)
 " Version 1.059 - 23rd December 1999
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -41,26 +38,18 @@ syntax match gedcom_date "\d\{1,2}\s\+\(jan\|feb\|mar\|apr\|may\|jun\|jul\|aug\|
 syntax match gedcom_date ".*" contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_gedcom_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_gedcom_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink gedcom_record Statement
-  HiLink gedcom_id Comment
-  HiLink gedcom_ii PreProc
-  HiLink gedcom_in Type
-  HiLink gedcom_name PreProc
-  HiLink gedcom_cname Type
-  HiLink gedcom_surname Identifier
-  HiLink gedcom_date Constant
+HiLink gedcom_record Statement
+HiLink gedcom_id Comment
+HiLink gedcom_ii PreProc
+HiLink gedcom_in Type
+HiLink gedcom_name PreProc
+HiLink gedcom_cname Type
+HiLink gedcom_surname Identifier
+HiLink gedcom_date Constant
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "gedcom"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gitcommit.vim b/runtime/syntax/gitcommit.vim
index b0315a9465..5e0642fbcc 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gitcommit.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gitcommit.vim
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 " Language:	git commit file
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
 " Filenames:	*.git/COMMIT_EDITMSG
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
@@ -39,9 +39,10 @@ syn region  gitcommitDiscarded	start=/^# Change\%(s not staged for commit\|d but
 syn region  gitcommitSelected	start=/^# Changes to be committed:/ end=/^#$\|^#\@!/ contains=gitcommitHeader,gitcommitHead,gitcommitSelectedType fold
 syn region  gitcommitUnmerged	start=/^# Unmerged paths:/ end=/^#$\|^#\@!/ contains=gitcommitHeader,gitcommitHead,gitcommitUnmergedType fold
 
-syn match   gitcommitDiscardedType	"\t\@<=[a-z][a-z ]*[a-z]: "he=e-2	contained containedin=gitcommitComment nextgroup=gitcommitDiscardedFile skipwhite
-syn match   gitcommitSelectedType	"\t\@<=[a-z][a-z ]*[a-z]: "he=e-2	contained containedin=gitcommitComment nextgroup=gitcommitSelectedFile skipwhite
-syn match   gitcommitUnmergedType	"\t\@<=[a-z][a-z ]*[a-z]: "he=e-2	contained containedin=gitcommitComment nextgroup=gitcommitUnmergedFile skipwhite
+
+syn match   gitcommitDiscardedType	"\t\@<=[[:lower:]][^:]*[[:lower:]]: "he=e-2	contained containedin=gitcommitComment nextgroup=gitcommitDiscardedFile skipwhite
+syn match   gitcommitSelectedType	"\t\@<=[[:lower:]][^:]*[[:lower:]]: "he=e-2	contained containedin=gitcommitComment nextgroup=gitcommitSelectedFile skipwhite
+syn match   gitcommitUnmergedType	"\t\@<=[[:lower:]][^:]*[[:lower:]]: "he=e-2	contained containedin=gitcommitComment nextgroup=gitcommitUnmergedFile skipwhite
 syn match   gitcommitDiscardedFile	".\{-\}\%($\| -> \)\@=" contained nextgroup=gitcommitDiscardedArrow
 syn match   gitcommitSelectedFile	".\{-\}\%($\| -> \)\@=" contained nextgroup=gitcommitSelectedArrow
 syn match   gitcommitUnmergedFile	".\{-\}\%($\| -> \)\@=" contained nextgroup=gitcommitSelectedArrow
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gitrebase.vim b/runtime/syntax/gitrebase.vim
index a7460280d3..a944c14dd7 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gitrebase.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gitrebase.vim
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 " Language:	git rebase --interactive
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
 " Filenames:	git-rebase-todo
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@ syn match   gitrebaseEdit   "\v^e%(dit)=>"   nextgroup=gitrebaseCommit skipwhite
 syn match   gitrebaseSquash "\v^s%(quash)=>" nextgroup=gitrebaseCommit skipwhite
 syn match   gitrebaseFixup  "\v^f%(ixup)=>"  nextgroup=gitrebaseCommit skipwhite
 syn match   gitrebaseExec   "\v^%(x|exec)>" nextgroup=gitrebaseCommand skipwhite
+syn match   gitrebaseDrop   "\v^d%(rop)=>"   nextgroup=gitrebaseCommit skipwhite
 syn match   gitrebaseSummary ".*"               contains=gitrebaseHash contained
 syn match   gitrebaseCommand ".*"                                      contained
 syn match   gitrebaseComment "^#.*"             contains=gitrebaseHash
@@ -31,6 +32,7 @@ hi def link gitrebaseEdit           PreProc
 hi def link gitrebaseSquash         Type
 hi def link gitrebaseFixup          Special
 hi def link gitrebaseExec           Function
+hi def link gitrebaseDrop           Comment
 hi def link gitrebaseSummary        String
 hi def link gitrebaseComment        Comment
 hi def link gitrebaseSquashError    Error
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gitsendemail.vim b/runtime/syntax/gitsendemail.vim
index 8b938116fa..8fdf6839c8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gitsendemail.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gitsendemail.vim
@@ -1,14 +1,18 @@
 " Vim syntax file
 " Language:	git send-email message
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope
-" Filenames:	*.msg.[0-9]* (first line is "From ... # This line is ignored.")
-" Last Change:	2010 May 21
+" Filenames:	.gitsendemail.*
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 runtime! syntax/mail.vim
+unlet! b:current_syntax
+syn include @gitsendemailDiff syntax/diff.vim
+syn region gitsendemailDiff start=/\%(^diff --\%(git\|cc\|combined\) \)\@=/ end=/^-- %/ fold contains=@gitsendemailDiff
+
 syn case match
 
 syn match   gitsendemailComment "\%^From.*#.*"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gkrellmrc.vim b/runtime/syntax/gkrellmrc.vim
index 6ce1238416..9840a90346 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gkrellmrc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gkrellmrc.vim
@@ -6,19 +6,12 @@
 " URL: http://trific.ath.cx/Ftp/vim/syntax/gkrellmrc.vim
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-	if exists("b:current_syntax")
-		finish
-	endif
-else
-	syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+	finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-	setlocal iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
-else
-	set iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
 
 syn case match
 
@@ -55,37 +48,30 @@ syn keyword gkrellmrcStyleCmd StyleMeter StyleChart StylePanel
 syn keyword gkrellmrcStyleItem textcolor alt_textcolor font alt_font transparency border label_position margin margins left_margin right_margin top_margin bottom_margin krell_depth krell_yoff krell_x_hot krell_expand krell_left_margin krell_right_margin
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_gtkrc_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_gtkrc_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink gkrellmrcComment Comment
-	HiLink gkrellmrcFixme Todo
+HiLink gkrellmrcComment Comment
+HiLink gkrellmrcFixme Todo
 
-	HiLink gkrellmrcString gkrellmrcConstant
-	HiLink gkrellmrcNumber gkrellmrcConstant
-	HiLink gkrellmrcRGBColor gkrellmrcConstant
-	HiLink gkrellmrcExpandMode gkrellmrcConstant
-	HiLink gkrellmrcConstant Constant
+HiLink gkrellmrcString gkrellmrcConstant
+HiLink gkrellmrcNumber gkrellmrcConstant
+HiLink gkrellmrcRGBColor gkrellmrcConstant
+HiLink gkrellmrcExpandMode gkrellmrcConstant
+HiLink gkrellmrcConstant Constant
 
-	HiLink gkrellmrcMeterName gkrellmrcClass
-	HiLink gkrellmrcChartName gkrellmrcClass
-	HiLink gkrellmrcSpecialClassName gkrellmrcClass
-	HiLink gkrellmrcClass Type
+HiLink gkrellmrcMeterName gkrellmrcClass
+HiLink gkrellmrcChartName gkrellmrcClass
+HiLink gkrellmrcSpecialClassName gkrellmrcClass
+HiLink gkrellmrcClass Type
 
-	HiLink gkrellmrcGlobal gkrellmrcItem
-	HiLink gkrellmrcBuiltinExt gkrellmrcItem
-	HiLink gkrellmrcStyleItem gkrellmrcItem
-	HiLink gkrellmrcItem Function
+HiLink gkrellmrcGlobal gkrellmrcItem
+HiLink gkrellmrcBuiltinExt gkrellmrcItem
+HiLink gkrellmrcStyleItem gkrellmrcItem
+HiLink gkrellmrcItem Function
 
-	HiLink gkrellmrcSetCmd Special
-	HiLink gkrellmrcStyleCmd Statement
+HiLink gkrellmrcSetCmd Special
+HiLink gkrellmrcStyleCmd Statement
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "gkrellmrc"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gnash.vim b/runtime/syntax/gnash.vim
index f9e2b519a5..cce522dd86 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gnash.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gnash.vim
@@ -15,11 +15,8 @@
 "		Vim is Charityware, see ":help Uganda"
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax") || &compatible
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax") || &compatible
     finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gnuplot.vim b/runtime/syntax/gnuplot.vim
index d85932d401..38aadffa28 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gnuplot.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gnuplot.vim
@@ -20,9 +20,8 @@
 " For vim version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
 " For vim version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -501,54 +500,46 @@ syn keyword gnuplotStatement	shell splot spstats stats system test undefine
 syn keyword gnuplotStatement	unset update
 
 " ---- Define the default highlighting ---- "
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_gnuplot_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_gnuplot_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " ---- Comments ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotComment		Comment
+" ---- Comments ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotComment		Comment
 
-  " ---- Constants ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotString		String
-  HiLink gnuplotNumber		Number
-  HiLink gnuplotFloat		Float
+" ---- Constants ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotString		String
+HiLink gnuplotNumber		Number
+HiLink gnuplotFloat		Float
 
-  " ---- Identifiers ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotIdentifier	Identifier
+" ---- Identifiers ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotIdentifier	Identifier
 
-  " ---- Statements ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink gnuplotRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink gnuplotKeyword		Keyword
-  HiLink gnuplotOperator	Operator
+" ---- Statements ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotConditional	Conditional
+HiLink gnuplotRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink gnuplotKeyword		Keyword
+HiLink gnuplotOperator	Operator
 
-  " ---- PreProcs ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotMacro		Macro
+" ---- PreProcs ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotMacro		Macro
 
-  " ---- Types ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotStatement	Type
-  HiLink gnuplotFunc		Identifier
+" ---- Types ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotStatement	Type
+HiLink gnuplotFunc		Identifier
 
-  " ---- Specials ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotSpecial		Special
-  HiLink gnuplotUnit		Special
-  HiLink gnuplotExternal	Special
+" ---- Specials ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotSpecial		Special
+HiLink gnuplotUnit		Special
+HiLink gnuplotExternal	Special
 
-  " ---- Errors ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotError		Error
-  HiLink gnuplotOctalError	Error
+" ---- Errors ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotError		Error
+HiLink gnuplotOctalError	Error
 
-  " ---- Todos ---- "
-  HiLink gnuplotTodo		Todo
+" ---- Todos ---- "
+HiLink gnuplotTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "gnuplot"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gp.vim b/runtime/syntax/gp.vim
index f46a465215..2e898dad5d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gp.vim
@@ -4,9 +4,8 @@
 " Last change:	2012 Jan 08
 " URL:		http://pari.math.u-bordeaux.fr
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -59,33 +58,26 @@ syntax region gpParen		transparent start='(' end=')' contains=ALLBUT,gpParenErro
 syntax match gpParenError	")"
 syntax match gpInParen contained "[{}]"
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_gp_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_gp_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink gpConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink gpRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink gpError		Error
-  HiLink gpParenError		gpError
-  HiLink gpInParen		gpError
-  HiLink gpStatement		Statement
-  HiLink gpString		String
-  HiLink gpComment		Comment
-  HiLink gpInterface		Type
-  HiLink gpInput		Type
-  HiLink gpInterfaceKey		Statement
-  HiLink gpFunction		Function
-  HiLink gpScope		Type
-  " contained ones
-  HiLink gpSpecial		Special
-  HiLink gpTodo			Todo
-  HiLink gpArgs			Type
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink gpConditional		Conditional
+HiLink gpRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink gpError		Error
+HiLink gpParenError		gpError
+HiLink gpInParen		gpError
+HiLink gpStatement		Statement
+HiLink gpString		String
+HiLink gpComment		Comment
+HiLink gpInterface		Type
+HiLink gpInput		Type
+HiLink gpInterfaceKey		Statement
+HiLink gpFunction		Function
+HiLink gpScope		Type
+" contained ones
+HiLink gpSpecial		Special
+HiLink gpTodo			Todo
+HiLink gpArgs			Type
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "gp"
 let &cpo = s:cpo_save
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/grads.vim b/runtime/syntax/grads.vim
index 0b88549d40..0f09483fed 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/grads.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/grads.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " This syntax file defines highlighting for only very few features of
 " the GrADS scripting language.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -53,34 +50,26 @@ syn match gradsComment	"\*.*"
 " syn match gradsTypos	"!="
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't hgs highlighting+yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_gs_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-	let did_gs_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't hgs highlighting+yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink gradsStatement		Statement
+HiLink gradsStatement		Statement
 
-  HiLink gradsString		String
-  HiLink gradsNumber		Number
+HiLink gradsString		String
+HiLink gradsNumber		Number
 
-  HiLink gradsFixVariables	Special
-  HiLink gradsVariables		Identifier
-  HiLink gradsglobalVariables	Special
-  HiLink gradsConst		Special
+HiLink gradsFixVariables	Special
+HiLink gradsVariables		Identifier
+HiLink gradsglobalVariables	Special
+HiLink gradsConst		Special
 
-  HiLink gradsClassMethods	Function
+HiLink gradsClassMethods	Function
 
-  HiLink gradsOperator		Operator
-  HiLink gradsComment		Comment
+HiLink gradsOperator		Operator
+HiLink gradsComment		Comment
 
-  HiLink gradsTypos		Error
+HiLink gradsTypos		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "grads"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gretl.vim b/runtime/syntax/gretl.vim
index 37299b894a..40eb544610 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gretl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gretl.vim
@@ -4,20 +4,13 @@
 " Last Change:  2006 Apr 30
 " Filenames:	*.inp *.gretl
 " URL:	http://uosis.mif.vu.lt/~zemlys/vim-syntax/gretl.vim
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,.
-else
-  set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,.
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,.
 
 syn case match
 
@@ -68,34 +61,26 @@ syn match gBCend /\*)/
 syn region gBlockComment matchgroup=gCommentStart start="(\*" end="\*)"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_r_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_r_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink gComment      Comment
-  HiLink gCommentStart Comment
-  HiLink gBlockComment Comment
-  HiLink gString       String
-  HiLink gNumber       Number
-  HiLink gBoolean      Boolean
-  HiLink gFloat        Float
-  HiLink gCommands     Repeat	
-  HiLink gGenrFunc     Type
-  HiLink gDelimiter    Delimiter
-  HiLink gError        Error
-  HiLink gBraceError   Error
-  HiLink gCurlyError   Error
-  HiLink gParenError   Error
-  HiLink gIdentifier   Normal
-  HiLink gVariable     Identifier
-  HiLink gArrow	       Repeat
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink gComment      Comment
+HiLink gCommentStart Comment
+HiLink gBlockComment Comment
+HiLink gString       String
+HiLink gNumber       Number
+HiLink gBoolean      Boolean
+HiLink gFloat        Float
+HiLink gCommands     Repeat	
+HiLink gGenrFunc     Type
+HiLink gDelimiter    Delimiter
+HiLink gError        Error
+HiLink gBraceError   Error
+HiLink gCurlyError   Error
+HiLink gParenError   Error
+HiLink gIdentifier   Normal
+HiLink gVariable     Identifier
+HiLink gArrow	       Repeat
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax="gretl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/groovy.vim b/runtime/syntax/groovy.vim
index dc39677724..84e3779e75 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/groovy.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/groovy.vim
@@ -44,11 +44,9 @@
 " Let me know if you like it or send me patches, so that I can improve it
 " when I have time
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   " we define it here so that included files can test for it
@@ -59,11 +57,7 @@ let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
 " don't use standard HiLink, it will not work with included syntax files
-if version < 508
-  command! -nargs=+ GroovyHiLink hi link <args>
-else
-  command! -nargs=+ GroovyHiLink hi def link <args>
-endif
+command! -nargs=+ GroovyHiLink hi def link <args>
 
 " ##########################
 " Java stuff taken from java.vim
@@ -329,23 +323,21 @@ if exists("groovy_highlight_debug")
 
   syn cluster groovyTop add=groovyDebug
 
-  if version >= 508 || !exists("did_c_syn_inits")
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebug                 Debug
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugString           DebugString
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugStringError      groovyError
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugType             DebugType
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugBoolean          DebugBoolean
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugNumber           Debug
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugSpecial          DebugSpecial
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugSpecialCharacter DebugSpecial
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugCharacter        DebugString
-    GroovyHiLink groovyDebugParen            Debug
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebug                 Debug
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugString           DebugString
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugStringError      groovyError
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugType             DebugType
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugBoolean          DebugBoolean
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugNumber           Debug
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugSpecial          DebugSpecial
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugSpecialCharacter DebugSpecial
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugCharacter        DebugString
+  GroovyHiLink groovyDebugParen            Debug
 
-    GroovyHiLink DebugString               String
-    GroovyHiLink DebugSpecial              Special
-    GroovyHiLink DebugBoolean              Boolean
-    GroovyHiLink DebugType                 Type
-  endif
+  GroovyHiLink DebugString               String
+  GroovyHiLink DebugSpecial              Special
+  GroovyHiLink DebugBoolean              Boolean
+  GroovyHiLink DebugType                 Type
 endif
 
 " Match all Exception classes
@@ -398,59 +390,54 @@ syn match   groovyParenError       "\]"
 
 " ###############################
 " java.vim default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_groovy_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_groovy_syn_inits = 1
-  endif
-  GroovyHiLink groovyFuncDef		Function
-  GroovyHiLink groovyBraces		Function
-  GroovyHiLink groovyBranch		Conditional
-  GroovyHiLink groovyUserLabelRef	groovyUserLabel
-  GroovyHiLink groovyLabel		Label
-  GroovyHiLink groovyUserLabel		Label
-  GroovyHiLink groovyConditional	Conditional
-  GroovyHiLink groovyRepeat		Repeat
-  GroovyHiLink groovyExceptions		Exception
-  GroovyHiLink groovyAssert 		Statement
-  GroovyHiLink groovyStorageClass	StorageClass
-  GroovyHiLink groovyMethodDecl		groovyStorageClass
-  GroovyHiLink groovyClassDecl		groovyStorageClass
-  GroovyHiLink groovyScopeDecl		groovyStorageClass
-  GroovyHiLink groovyBoolean		Boolean
-  GroovyHiLink groovySpecial		Special
-  GroovyHiLink groovySpecialError	Error
-  GroovyHiLink groovySpecialCharError	Error
-  GroovyHiLink groovyString		String
-  GroovyHiLink groovyRegexChar		String
-  GroovyHiLink groovyCharacter		Character
-  GroovyHiLink groovySpecialChar	SpecialChar
-  GroovyHiLink groovyNumber		Number
-  GroovyHiLink groovyError		Error
-  GroovyHiLink groovyStringError	Error
-  GroovyHiLink groovyStatement		Statement
-  GroovyHiLink groovyOperator		Operator
-  GroovyHiLink groovyComment		Comment
-  GroovyHiLink groovyDocComment		Comment
-  GroovyHiLink groovyLineComment	Comment
-  GroovyHiLink groovyConstant		Constant
-  GroovyHiLink groovyTypedef		Typedef
-  GroovyHiLink groovyTodo		Todo
+GroovyHiLink groovyFuncDef		Function
+GroovyHiLink groovyBraces		Function
+GroovyHiLink groovyBranch		Conditional
+GroovyHiLink groovyUserLabelRef	groovyUserLabel
+GroovyHiLink groovyLabel		Label
+GroovyHiLink groovyUserLabel		Label
+GroovyHiLink groovyConditional	Conditional
+GroovyHiLink groovyRepeat		Repeat
+GroovyHiLink groovyExceptions		Exception
+GroovyHiLink groovyAssert 		Statement
+GroovyHiLink groovyStorageClass	StorageClass
+GroovyHiLink groovyMethodDecl		groovyStorageClass
+GroovyHiLink groovyClassDecl		groovyStorageClass
+GroovyHiLink groovyScopeDecl		groovyStorageClass
+GroovyHiLink groovyBoolean		Boolean
+GroovyHiLink groovySpecial		Special
+GroovyHiLink groovySpecialError	Error
+GroovyHiLink groovySpecialCharError	Error
+GroovyHiLink groovyString		String
+GroovyHiLink groovyRegexChar		String
+GroovyHiLink groovyCharacter		Character
+GroovyHiLink groovySpecialChar	SpecialChar
+GroovyHiLink groovyNumber		Number
+GroovyHiLink groovyError		Error
+GroovyHiLink groovyStringError	Error
+GroovyHiLink groovyStatement		Statement
+GroovyHiLink groovyOperator		Operator
+GroovyHiLink groovyComment		Comment
+GroovyHiLink groovyDocComment		Comment
+GroovyHiLink groovyLineComment	Comment
+GroovyHiLink groovyConstant		Constant
+GroovyHiLink groovyTypedef		Typedef
+GroovyHiLink groovyTodo		Todo
 
-  GroovyHiLink groovyCommentTitle	SpecialComment
-  GroovyHiLink groovyDocTags		Special
-  GroovyHiLink groovyDocParam		Function
-  GroovyHiLink groovyCommentStar	groovyComment
+GroovyHiLink groovyCommentTitle	SpecialComment
+GroovyHiLink groovyDocTags		Special
+GroovyHiLink groovyDocParam		Function
+GroovyHiLink groovyCommentStar	groovyComment
 
-  GroovyHiLink groovyType		Type
-  GroovyHiLink groovyExternal		Include
+GroovyHiLink groovyType		Type
+GroovyHiLink groovyExternal		Include
 
-  GroovyHiLink htmlComment		Special
-  GroovyHiLink htmlCommentPart		Special
-  GroovyHiLink groovySpaceError		Error
-  GroovyHiLink groovyJDKBuiltin         Special
-  GroovyHiLink groovyJDKOperOverl       Operator
-  GroovyHiLink groovyJDKMethods         Function
-endif
+GroovyHiLink htmlComment		Special
+GroovyHiLink htmlCommentPart		Special
+GroovyHiLink groovySpaceError		Error
+GroovyHiLink groovyJDKBuiltin         Special
+GroovyHiLink groovyJDKOperOverl       Operator
+GroovyHiLink groovyJDKMethods         Function
 
 delcommand GroovyHiLink
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gsp.vim b/runtime/syntax/gsp.vim
index e7b1b1632f..6270b2af64 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gsp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gsp.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Filenames:    *.gsp
 " URL:		http://www.constructicon.com/~nharward/vim/syntax/gsp.vim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -18,21 +15,13 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
 endif
 
 " Source HTML syntax
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syn case match
 
 " Include Java syntax
-if version < 600
-  syn include @gspJava <sfile>:p:h/java.vim
-else
-  syn include @gspJava syntax/java.vim
-endif
+syn include @gspJava syntax/java.vim
 
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/gtkrc.vim b/runtime/syntax/gtkrc.vim
index 57054a21d3..e3a555006b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/gtkrc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/gtkrc.vim
@@ -6,19 +6,12 @@
 " URL: http://trific.ath.cx/Ftp/vim/syntax/gtkrc.vim
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-	if exists("b:current_syntax")
-		finish
-	endif
-else
-	syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+	finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-	setlocal iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
-else
-	set iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
 
 syn case match
 
@@ -86,57 +79,50 @@ syn sync minlines=50
 syn sync match gtkrcSyncClass groupthere NONE "^\s*class\>"
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_gtkrc_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_gtkrc_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink gtkrcComment Comment
-	HiLink gtkrcFixme Todo
+HiLink gtkrcComment Comment
+HiLink gtkrcFixme Todo
 
-	HiLink gtkrcInclude Preproc
+HiLink gtkrcInclude Preproc
 
-	HiLink gtkrcACString gtkrcString
-	HiLink gtkrcBString gtkrcString
-	HiLink gtkrcString String
-	HiLink gtkrcNumber Number
-	HiLink gtkrcStateName gtkrcConstant
-	HiLink gtkrcPriorityName gtkrcConstant
-	HiLink gtkrcTextDirName gtkrcConstant
-	HiLink gtkrcSettingsName Function
-	HiLink gtkrcStockName Function
-	HiLink gtkrcConstant Constant
+HiLink gtkrcACString gtkrcString
+HiLink gtkrcBString gtkrcString
+HiLink gtkrcString String
+HiLink gtkrcNumber Number
+HiLink gtkrcStateName gtkrcConstant
+HiLink gtkrcPriorityName gtkrcConstant
+HiLink gtkrcTextDirName gtkrcConstant
+HiLink gtkrcSettingsName Function
+HiLink gtkrcStockName Function
+HiLink gtkrcConstant Constant
 
-	HiLink gtkrcPathSpecial gtkrcSpecial
-	HiLink gtkrcWPathSpecial gtkrcSpecial
-	HiLink gtkrcRGBColor gtkrcSpecial
-	HiLink gtkrcKeyMod gtkrcSpecial
-	HiLink gtkrcSpecial Special
+HiLink gtkrcPathSpecial gtkrcSpecial
+HiLink gtkrcWPathSpecial gtkrcSpecial
+HiLink gtkrcRGBColor gtkrcSpecial
+HiLink gtkrcKeyMod gtkrcSpecial
+HiLink gtkrcSpecial Special
 
-	HiLink gtkrcTop gtkrcKeyword
-	HiLink gtkrcPathSet gtkrcKeyword
-	HiLink gtkrcStyleKeyword gtkrcKeyword
-	HiLink gtkrcFunction gtkrcKeyword
-	HiLink gtkrcBind gtkrcKeyword
-	HiLink gtkrcKeyword Keyword
+HiLink gtkrcTop gtkrcKeyword
+HiLink gtkrcPathSet gtkrcKeyword
+HiLink gtkrcStyleKeyword gtkrcKeyword
+HiLink gtkrcFunction gtkrcKeyword
+HiLink gtkrcBind gtkrcKeyword
+HiLink gtkrcKeyword Keyword
 
-	HiLink gtkrcClassNameGnome gtkrcGtkClass
-	HiLink gtkrcClassName gtkrcGtkClass
-	HiLink gtkrcFunctionName gtkrcGtkClass
-	HiLink gtkrcGtkClass Type
+HiLink gtkrcClassNameGnome gtkrcGtkClass
+HiLink gtkrcClassName gtkrcGtkClass
+HiLink gtkrcFunctionName gtkrcGtkClass
+HiLink gtkrcGtkClass Type
 
-	HiLink gtkrcImage gtkrcOtherword
-	HiLink gtkrcOtherword Function
+HiLink gtkrcImage gtkrcOtherword
+HiLink gtkrcOtherword Function
 
-	HiLink gtkrcParenError gtkrcError
-	HiLink gtkrcBraceError gtkrcError
-	HiLink gtkrcBracketError gtkrcError
-	HiLink gtkrcError Error
+HiLink gtkrcParenError gtkrcError
+HiLink gtkrcBraceError gtkrcError
+HiLink gtkrcBracketError gtkrcError
+HiLink gtkrcError Error
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "gtkrc"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/haml.vim b/runtime/syntax/haml.vim
index bf7a073633..5369695c22 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/haml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/haml.vim
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 " Language:	Haml
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
 " Filenames:	*.haml
-" Last Change:	2010 Aug 09
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ syn region  hamlJavascriptFilter matchgroup=hamlFilter start="^\z(\s*\):javascri
 syn region  hamlCSSFilter        matchgroup=hamlFilter start="^\z(\s*\):css\s*$"        end="^\%(\z1 \| *$\)\@!" contains=@htmlCss,hamlInterpolation keepend
 syn region  hamlSassFilter       matchgroup=hamlFilter start="^\z(\s*\):sass\s*$"       end="^\%(\z1 \| *$\)\@!" contains=@hamlSassTop
 
-syn region  hamlJavascriptBlock start="^\z(\s*\)%script" nextgroup=@hamlComponent,hamlError end="^\%(\z1 \| *$\)\@!" contains=@hamlTop,@htmlJavaScript keepend
+syn region  hamlJavascriptBlock start="^\z(\s*\)%script\%((type=[\"']text/javascript[\"'])\)\=\s*$" nextgroup=@hamlComponent,hamlError end="^\%(\z1 \| *$\)\@!" contains=@hamlTop,@htmlJavaScript keepend
 syn region  hamlCssBlock        start="^\z(\s*\)%style" nextgroup=@hamlComponent,hamlError  end="^\%(\z1 \| *$\)\@!" contains=@hamlTop,@htmlCss keepend
 syn match   hamlError "\$" contained
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/hamster.vim b/runtime/syntax/hamster.vim
index bd52300ca0..f9aada251f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/hamster.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/hamster.vim
@@ -12,10 +12,8 @@
 " for news and mail, a build-in script language, the GUI allows translation to
 " other languages, it can be used in a network and that's not all features...
 "
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -358,24 +356,16 @@ syn cluster hamsterComment	contains=hamsterHashComment
 syn sync ccomment hamsterHashComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_hamster_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-        let did_hamster_syn_inits = 1
-        command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-        command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink hamsterHashComment	Comment
-    HiLink hamsterSpecial	Special
-    HiLink hamsterStatement	Statement
-    HiLink hamsterString	String
-    HiLink hamsterFunction	Function
+HiLink hamsterHashComment	Comment
+HiLink hamsterSpecial	Special
+HiLink hamsterStatement	Statement
+HiLink hamsterString	String
+HiLink hamsterFunction	Function
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "hamster"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/haskell.vim b/runtime/syntax/haskell.vim
index 8afca048cc..86d554ba36 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/haskell.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/haskell.vim
@@ -32,10 +32,8 @@
 "	       to attribution of work.
 " 2008 Dec 15: Added comments as contained element in import statements
 
-" Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -127,67 +125,59 @@ syntax match	cCommentStartError display "/\*"me=e-1 contained
 syn region	cCppString	start=+L\="+ skip=+\\\\\|\\"\|\\$+ excludenl end=+"+ end='$' contains=cSpecial contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_hs_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_hs_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink hsModule			  hsStructure
-  HiLink hsImport			  Include
-  HiLink hsImportMod			  hsImport
-  HiLink hsInfix			  PreProc
-  HiLink hsStructure			  Structure
-  HiLink hsStatement			  Statement
-  HiLink hsConditional			  Conditional
-  HiLink hsSpecialChar			  SpecialChar
-  HiLink hsTypedef			  Typedef
-  HiLink hsVarSym			  hsOperator
-  HiLink hsConSym			  hsOperator
-  HiLink hsOperator			  Operator
-  if exists("hs_highlight_delimiters")
-    " Some people find this highlighting distracting.
-    HiLink hsDelimiter			  Delimiter
-  endif
-  HiLink hsSpecialCharError		  Error
-  HiLink hsString			  String
-  HiLink hsCharacter			  Character
-  HiLink hsNumber			  Number
-  HiLink hsFloat			  Float
-  HiLink hsConditional			  Conditional
-  HiLink hsLiterateComment		  hsComment
-  HiLink hsBlockComment		  hsComment
-  HiLink hsLineComment			  hsComment
-  HiLink hsComment			  Comment
-  HiLink hsPragma			  SpecialComment
-  HiLink hsBoolean			  Boolean
-  HiLink hsType			  Type
-  HiLink hsMaybe			  hsEnumConst
-  HiLink hsOrdering			  hsEnumConst
-  HiLink hsEnumConst			  Constant
-  HiLink hsDebug			  Debug
-
-  HiLink cCppString		hsString
-  HiLink cCommentStart		hsComment
-  HiLink cCommentError		hsError
-  HiLink cCommentStartError	hsError
-  HiLink cInclude		Include
-  HiLink cPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink cDefine		Macro
-  HiLink cIncluded		hsString
-  HiLink cError			Error
-  HiLink cPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink cComment		Comment
-  HiLink cCppSkip		cCppOut
-  HiLink cCppOut2		cCppOut
-  HiLink cCppOut		Comment
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+HiLink hsModule			  hsStructure
+HiLink hsImport			  Include
+HiLink hsImportMod			  hsImport
+HiLink hsInfix			  PreProc
+HiLink hsStructure			  Structure
+HiLink hsStatement			  Statement
+HiLink hsConditional			  Conditional
+HiLink hsSpecialChar			  SpecialChar
+HiLink hsTypedef			  Typedef
+HiLink hsVarSym			  hsOperator
+HiLink hsConSym			  hsOperator
+HiLink hsOperator			  Operator
+if exists("hs_highlight_delimiters")
+" Some people find this highlighting distracting.
+HiLink hsDelimiter			  Delimiter
 endif
+HiLink hsSpecialCharError		  Error
+HiLink hsString			  String
+HiLink hsCharacter			  Character
+HiLink hsNumber			  Number
+HiLink hsFloat			  Float
+HiLink hsConditional			  Conditional
+HiLink hsLiterateComment		  hsComment
+HiLink hsBlockComment		  hsComment
+HiLink hsLineComment			  hsComment
+HiLink hsComment			  Comment
+HiLink hsPragma			  SpecialComment
+HiLink hsBoolean			  Boolean
+HiLink hsType			  Type
+HiLink hsMaybe			  hsEnumConst
+HiLink hsOrdering			  hsEnumConst
+HiLink hsEnumConst			  Constant
+HiLink hsDebug			  Debug
+
+HiLink cCppString		hsString
+HiLink cCommentStart		hsComment
+HiLink cCommentError		hsError
+HiLink cCommentStartError	hsError
+HiLink cInclude		Include
+HiLink cPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink cDefine		Macro
+HiLink cIncluded		hsString
+HiLink cError			Error
+HiLink cPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink cComment		Comment
+HiLink cCppSkip		cCppOut
+HiLink cCppOut2		cCppOut
+HiLink cCppOut		Comment
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "haskell"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/haste.vim b/runtime/syntax/haste.vim
index b889c5c594..79e9f5ec56 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/haste.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/haste.vim
@@ -12,11 +12,8 @@
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/hastepreproc.vim b/runtime/syntax/hastepreproc.vim
index 3fcb8ddd31..f08bf3fbf3 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/hastepreproc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/hastepreproc.vim
@@ -5,24 +5,13 @@
 "		files
 " Version:	0.5
 
-" HASTE
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
-    finish
-endif
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
-" Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-    so <sfile>:p:h/haste.vim
-else
-    runtime! syntax/haste.vim
-    unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+" Read the haste syntax to start with
+runtime! syntax/haste.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " case is significant
 syn case match
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/hb.vim b/runtime/syntax/hb.vim
index d4de3ff1e1..ab2fb7fbad 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/hb.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/hb.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://bachue.com/hb/vim/syntax/hb.vim
 " Last Change:	2012 Jan 08 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -63,31 +60,23 @@ syn region HBText matchgroup=HBDirectiveKeyword start=/^:\(set\|out\)\s*\S\+.*$/
 syn match HBComment "^#.*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_hb_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_hb_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink HBhtmlString			 String
-  HiLink HBhtmlTagN			 Function
-  HiLink htmlSpecialChar		 String
+HiLink HBhtmlString			 String
+HiLink HBhtmlTagN			 Function
+HiLink htmlSpecialChar		 String
 
-  HiLink HBInvalidLine Error
-  HiLink HBFoobar Comment
-  hi HBFileName guibg=lightgray guifg=black
-  HiLink HBDirectiveError Error
-  HiLink HBDirectiveBlockEnd HBDirectiveKeyword
-  hi HBDirectiveKeyword guibg=lightgray guifg=darkgreen
-  HiLink HBComment Comment
-  HiLink HBhtmlTagSk Statement
+HiLink HBInvalidLine Error
+HiLink HBFoobar Comment
+hi HBFileName guibg=lightgray guifg=black
+HiLink HBDirectiveError Error
+HiLink HBDirectiveBlockEnd HBDirectiveKeyword
+hi HBDirectiveKeyword guibg=lightgray guifg=darkgreen
+HiLink HBComment Comment
+HiLink HBhtmlTagSk Statement
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 syn sync match Normal grouphere NONE "^:\s*$"
 syn sync match Normal grouphere NONE "^:\s*lib\s\+[^ \t]\+$"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/hercules.vim b/runtime/syntax/hercules.vim
index 02d8e9bb78..2a786768dc 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/hercules.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/hercules.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 "		that an IC's physical design matches its logical design and
 "		satisfies manufacturing rules.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -101,32 +98,23 @@ syn match     herculesOutput "error\s*=\s*(.*)"
 syn sync      lines=100
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_hercules_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_hercules_syntax_inits = 1
-    " Default methods for highlighting.
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink herculesStatement  Statement
-  HiLink herculesType       Type
-  HiLink herculesComment    Comment
-  HiLink herculesPreProc    PreProc
-  HiLink herculesTodo       Todo
-  HiLink herculesOutput     Include
-  HiLink herculesCmdCmnt    Identifier
-  HiLink herculesNumber     Number
-  HiLink herculesBraceError herculesError
-  HiLink herculesCurlyError herculesError
-  HiLink herculesParenError herculesError
-  HiLink herculesError      Error
+HiLink herculesStatement  Statement
+HiLink herculesType       Type
+HiLink herculesComment    Comment
+HiLink herculesPreProc    PreProc
+HiLink herculesTodo       Todo
+HiLink herculesOutput     Include
+HiLink herculesCmdCmnt    Identifier
+HiLink herculesNumber     Number
+HiLink herculesBraceError herculesError
+HiLink herculesCurlyError herculesError
+HiLink herculesParenError herculesError
+HiLink herculesError      Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "hercules"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/hex.vim b/runtime/syntax/hex.vim
index 40f7f0dd10..d2637eaaea 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/hex.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/hex.vim
@@ -25,11 +25,8 @@
 " States in parentheses in the upper format description indicate that they
 " should not appear in a valid file.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -68,34 +65,26 @@ syn match hexChecksum "[0-9a-fA-F]\{2}$" contained
 syn region hexExtAdrBlock start="^:[0-9a-fA-F]\{7}[24]" skip="^:[0-9a-fA-F]\{7}0" end="^:"me=s-1 fold transparent
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_hex_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_hex_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later
-  HiLink hexRecStart            hexRecType
-  HiLink hexDataByteCount       Constant
-  hi def hexAddressFieldUnknown term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
-  HiLink hexDataAddress         Comment
-  HiLink hexNoAddress           DiffAdd
-  HiLink hexRecTypeUnknown      hexRecType
-  HiLink hexRecType             WarningMsg
-  hi def hexDataFieldUnknown    term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
-  hi def hexDataOdd             term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
-  hi def hexDataEven            term=NONE cterm=NONE gui=NONE
-  HiLink hexDataUnexpected      Error
-  HiLink hexExtendedAddress     hexDataAddress
-  HiLink hexStartAddress        hexDataAddress
-  HiLink hexChecksum            DiffChange
+" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later
+HiLink hexRecStart            hexRecType
+HiLink hexDataByteCount       Constant
+hi def hexAddressFieldUnknown term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
+HiLink hexDataAddress         Comment
+HiLink hexNoAddress           DiffAdd
+HiLink hexRecTypeUnknown      hexRecType
+HiLink hexRecType             WarningMsg
+hi def hexDataFieldUnknown    term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
+hi def hexDataOdd             term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
+hi def hexDataEven            term=NONE cterm=NONE gui=NONE
+HiLink hexDataUnexpected      Error
+HiLink hexExtendedAddress     hexDataAddress
+HiLink hexStartAddress        hexDataAddress
+HiLink hexChecksum            DiffChange
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "hex"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/hog.vim b/runtime/syntax/hog.vim
index f37f7ae899..7206815202 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/hog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/hog.vim
@@ -4,9 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change: 2015 Oct 24  -> Rename syntax items from Snort -> Hog
 "              2012 Oct 24  -> Originalish release
 
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/hostsaccess.vim b/runtime/syntax/hostsaccess.vim
index 8a9f02eff5..7201816f48 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/hostsaccess.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/hostsaccess.vim
@@ -15,12 +15,8 @@ if exists("b:current_syntax")
 endif
 
 " For a starter we just use conf.vim for highlighting
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/conf.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/conf.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/conf.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "hostsaccess"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/html.vim b/runtime/syntax/html.vim
index ab1f9b3c13..ac31e4848d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/html.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/html.vim
@@ -7,12 +7,9 @@
 
 " Please check :help html.vim for some comments and a description of the options
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   let main_syntax = 'html'
@@ -22,11 +19,7 @@ let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
 " don't use standard HiLink, it will not work with included syntax files
-if version < 508
-  command! -nargs=+ HtmlHiLink hi link <args>
-else
-  command! -nargs=+ HtmlHiLink hi def link <args>
-endif
+command! -nargs=+ HtmlHiLink hi def link <args>
 
 syntax spell toplevel
 
@@ -221,72 +214,67 @@ if main_syntax == "html"
 endif
 
 " The default highlighting.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_html_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_html_syn_inits = 1
+HtmlHiLink htmlTag                     Function
+HtmlHiLink htmlEndTag                  Identifier
+HtmlHiLink htmlArg                     Type
+HtmlHiLink htmlTagName                 htmlStatement
+HtmlHiLink htmlSpecialTagName          Exception
+HtmlHiLink htmlValue                     String
+HtmlHiLink htmlSpecialChar             Special
+
+if !exists("html_no_rendering")
+  HtmlHiLink htmlH1                      Title
+  HtmlHiLink htmlH2                      htmlH1
+  HtmlHiLink htmlH3                      htmlH2
+  HtmlHiLink htmlH4                      htmlH3
+  HtmlHiLink htmlH5                      htmlH4
+  HtmlHiLink htmlH6                      htmlH5
+  HtmlHiLink htmlHead                    PreProc
+  HtmlHiLink htmlTitle                   Title
+  HtmlHiLink htmlBoldItalicUnderline     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
+  HtmlHiLink htmlUnderlineBold           htmlBoldUnderline
+  HtmlHiLink htmlUnderlineItalicBold     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
+  HtmlHiLink htmlUnderlineBoldItalic     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
+  HtmlHiLink htmlItalicUnderline         htmlUnderlineItalic
+  HtmlHiLink htmlItalicBold              htmlBoldItalic
+  HtmlHiLink htmlItalicBoldUnderline     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
+  HtmlHiLink htmlItalicUnderlineBold     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
+  HtmlHiLink htmlLink                    Underlined
+  HtmlHiLink htmlLeadingSpace            None
+  if !exists("html_my_rendering")
+    hi def htmlBold                term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
+    hi def htmlBoldUnderline       term=bold,underline cterm=bold,underline gui=bold,underline
+    hi def htmlBoldItalic          term=bold,italic cterm=bold,italic gui=bold,italic
+    hi def htmlBoldUnderlineItalic term=bold,italic,underline cterm=bold,italic,underline gui=bold,italic,underline
+    hi def htmlUnderline           term=underline cterm=underline gui=underline
+    hi def htmlUnderlineItalic     term=italic,underline cterm=italic,underline gui=italic,underline
+    hi def htmlItalic              term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
   endif
-  HtmlHiLink htmlTag                     Function
-  HtmlHiLink htmlEndTag                  Identifier
-  HtmlHiLink htmlArg                     Type
-  HtmlHiLink htmlTagName                 htmlStatement
-  HtmlHiLink htmlSpecialTagName          Exception
-  HtmlHiLink htmlValue                     String
-  HtmlHiLink htmlSpecialChar             Special
-  
-  if !exists("html_no_rendering")
-    HtmlHiLink htmlH1                      Title
-    HtmlHiLink htmlH2                      htmlH1
-    HtmlHiLink htmlH3                      htmlH2
-    HtmlHiLink htmlH4                      htmlH3
-    HtmlHiLink htmlH5                      htmlH4
-    HtmlHiLink htmlH6                      htmlH5
-    HtmlHiLink htmlHead                    PreProc
-    HtmlHiLink htmlTitle                   Title
-    HtmlHiLink htmlBoldItalicUnderline     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
-    HtmlHiLink htmlUnderlineBold           htmlBoldUnderline
-    HtmlHiLink htmlUnderlineItalicBold     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
-    HtmlHiLink htmlUnderlineBoldItalic     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
-    HtmlHiLink htmlItalicUnderline         htmlUnderlineItalic
-    HtmlHiLink htmlItalicBold              htmlBoldItalic
-    HtmlHiLink htmlItalicBoldUnderline     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
-    HtmlHiLink htmlItalicUnderlineBold     htmlBoldUnderlineItalic
-    HtmlHiLink htmlLink                    Underlined
-    HtmlHiLink htmlLeadingSpace            None
-    if !exists("html_my_rendering")
-      hi def htmlBold                term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
-      hi def htmlBoldUnderline       term=bold,underline cterm=bold,underline gui=bold,underline
-      hi def htmlBoldItalic          term=bold,italic cterm=bold,italic gui=bold,italic
-      hi def htmlBoldUnderlineItalic term=bold,italic,underline cterm=bold,italic,underline gui=bold,italic,underline
-      hi def htmlUnderline           term=underline cterm=underline gui=underline
-      hi def htmlUnderlineItalic     term=italic,underline cterm=italic,underline gui=italic,underline
-      hi def htmlItalic              term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
-    endif
-  endif
-  
-  HtmlHiLink htmlPreStmt            PreProc
-  HtmlHiLink htmlPreError           Error
-  HtmlHiLink htmlPreProc            PreProc
-  HtmlHiLink htmlPreAttr            String
-  HtmlHiLink htmlPreProcAttrName    PreProc
-  HtmlHiLink htmlPreProcAttrError   Error
-  HtmlHiLink htmlSpecial            Special
-  HtmlHiLink htmlSpecialChar        Special
-  HtmlHiLink htmlString             String
-  HtmlHiLink htmlStatement          Statement
-  HtmlHiLink htmlComment            Comment
-  HtmlHiLink htmlCommentPart        Comment
-  HtmlHiLink htmlValue              String
-  HtmlHiLink htmlCommentError       htmlError
-  HtmlHiLink htmlTagError           htmlError
-  HtmlHiLink htmlEvent              javaScript
-  HtmlHiLink htmlError              Error
-  
-  HtmlHiLink javaScript             Special
-  HtmlHiLink javaScriptExpression   javaScript
-  HtmlHiLink htmlCssStyleComment    Comment
-  HtmlHiLink htmlCssDefinition      Special
 endif
 
+HtmlHiLink htmlPreStmt            PreProc
+HtmlHiLink htmlPreError           Error
+HtmlHiLink htmlPreProc            PreProc
+HtmlHiLink htmlPreAttr            String
+HtmlHiLink htmlPreProcAttrName    PreProc
+HtmlHiLink htmlPreProcAttrError   Error
+HtmlHiLink htmlSpecial            Special
+HtmlHiLink htmlSpecialChar        Special
+HtmlHiLink htmlString             String
+HtmlHiLink htmlStatement          Statement
+HtmlHiLink htmlComment            Comment
+HtmlHiLink htmlCommentPart        Comment
+HtmlHiLink htmlValue              String
+HtmlHiLink htmlCommentError       htmlError
+HtmlHiLink htmlTagError           htmlError
+HtmlHiLink htmlEvent              javaScript
+HtmlHiLink htmlError              Error
+
+HtmlHiLink javaScript             Special
+HtmlHiLink javaScriptExpression   javaScript
+HtmlHiLink htmlCssStyleComment    Comment
+HtmlHiLink htmlCssDefinition      Special
+
 delcommand HtmlHiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "html"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/htmlcheetah.vim b/runtime/syntax/htmlcheetah.vim
index f57df90dea..0721c76b44 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/htmlcheetah.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/htmlcheetah.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Max Ischenko <mfi@ukr.net>
 " Last Change: 2003-05-11
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -15,14 +12,9 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax = 'html'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/cheetah.vim
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/cheetah.vim
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cheetah.vim
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syntax cluster htmlPreproc add=cheetahPlaceHolder
 syntax cluster htmlString add=cheetahPlaceHolder
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/htmldjango.vim b/runtime/syntax/htmldjango.vim
index 58afd1b62d..07b1c375e8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/htmldjango.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/htmldjango.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Dave Hodder <dmh@dmh.org.uk>
 " Last Change:	2014 Jul 13
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -15,14 +12,9 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax = 'html'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/django.vim
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/django.vim
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/django.vim
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syn cluster djangoBlocks add=djangoTagBlock,djangoVarBlock,djangoComment,djangoComBlock
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/htmlm4.vim b/runtime/syntax/htmlm4.vim
index 3119d2d1ad..ee1f06e5f4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/htmlm4.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/htmlm4.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.fleiner.com/vim/syntax/htmlm4.vim
 " Last Change:	2001 Apr 30
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -17,19 +14,12 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax='htmlm4'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 syn case match
 
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/m4.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/m4.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/m4.vim
+
 unlet b:current_syntax
 syn cluster htmlPreproc add=@m4Top
 syn cluster m4StringContents add=htmlTag,htmlEndTag
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/htmlos.vim b/runtime/syntax/htmlos.vim
index f31b9f6543..530c046bac 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/htmlos.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/htmlos.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2003 May 11
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -18,12 +15,8 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax = 'htmlos'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syn cluster htmlPreproc add=htmlosRegion
 
@@ -121,42 +114,34 @@ else
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_htmlos_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_htmlos_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink	 htmlosSpecialIdentifier	Operator
-  HiLink	 htmlosIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink	 htmlosStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink	 htmlosComment	Comment
-  HiLink	 htmlosBoolean	Boolean
-  HiLink	 htmlosStringSingle	String
-  HiLink	 htmlosStringDouble	String
-  HiLink	 htmlosNumber	Number
-  HiLink	 htmlosFloat	Float
-  HiLink	 htmlosFunctions	Function
-  HiLink	 htmlosRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink	 htmlosConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink	 htmlosLabel	Label
-  HiLink	 htmlosStatement	Statement
-  HiLink	 htmlosKeyword	Statement
-  HiLink	 htmlosType	Type
-  HiLink	 htmlosDefine	Define
-  HiLink	 htmlosParent	Delimiter
-  HiLink	 htmlosError	Error
-  HiLink	 htmlosTodo	Todo
-  HiLink	htmlosOperator	Operator
-  HiLink	htmlosRelation	Operator
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink	 htmlosSpecialIdentifier	Operator
+HiLink	 htmlosIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink	 htmlosStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink	 htmlosComment	Comment
+HiLink	 htmlosBoolean	Boolean
+HiLink	 htmlosStringSingle	String
+HiLink	 htmlosStringDouble	String
+HiLink	 htmlosNumber	Number
+HiLink	 htmlosFloat	Float
+HiLink	 htmlosFunctions	Function
+HiLink	 htmlosRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink	 htmlosConditional	Conditional
+HiLink	 htmlosLabel	Label
+HiLink	 htmlosStatement	Statement
+HiLink	 htmlosKeyword	Statement
+HiLink	 htmlosType	Type
+HiLink	 htmlosDefine	Define
+HiLink	 htmlosParent	Delimiter
+HiLink	 htmlosError	Error
+HiLink	 htmlosTodo	Todo
+HiLink	htmlosOperator	Operator
+HiLink	htmlosRelation	Operator
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 let b:current_syntax = "htmlos"
 
 if main_syntax == 'htmlos'
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ia64.vim b/runtime/syntax/ia64.vim
index ebfdc95bae..10d069de3f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ia64.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ia64.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " File Version: 0.7
 " Last Change:  2006 Sep 08
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -19,11 +16,7 @@ endif
 syn case ignore
 
 "  Identifier Keyword characters (defines \k)
-if version >= 600
-	setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,#,$,.,:,?,@-@,_,~
-else
-	set iskeyword=@,48-57,#,$,.,:,?,@-@,_,~
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,#,$,.,:,?,@-@,_,~
 
 syn sync minlines=5
 
@@ -268,43 +261,35 @@ syn match ia64data "real\([48]\|1[06]\)\(\(\(\.ua\)\=\(\.msb\|\.lsb\)\=\)\|\(\(\
 syn match ia64data "stringz\=\(\(\(\.ua\)\=\(\.msb\|\.lsb\)\=\)\|\(\(\.msb\|\.lsb\)\=\(\.ua\)\=\)\)\=\>"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ia64_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_ia64_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	"put masm groups with our groups
-	HiLink masmOperator	ia64operator
-	HiLink masmDirective	ia64Directive
-	HiLink masmOpcode	ia64Opcode
-	HiLink masmIdentifier	ia64Identifier
-	HiLink masmFloat	ia64Float
+"put masm groups with our groups
+HiLink masmOperator	ia64operator
+HiLink masmDirective	ia64Directive
+HiLink masmOpcode	ia64Opcode
+HiLink masmIdentifier	ia64Identifier
+HiLink masmFloat	ia64Float
 
-	"ia64 specific stuff
-	HiLink ia64Label	Define
-	HiLink ia64Comment	Comment
-	HiLink ia64Directive	Type
-	HiLink ia64opcode	Statement
-	HiLink ia64registers	Operator
-	HiLink ia64string	String
-	HiLink ia64Hex		Number
-	HiLink ia64Binary	Number
-	HiLink ia64Octal	Number
-	HiLink ia64Float	Float
-	HiLink ia64Decimal	Number
-	HiLink ia64Identifier	Identifier
-	HiLink ia64data		Type
-	HiLink ia64delimiter	Delimiter
-	HiLink ia64operator	Operator
-	HiLink ia64Todo		Todo
+"ia64 specific stuff
+HiLink ia64Label	Define
+HiLink ia64Comment	Comment
+HiLink ia64Directive	Type
+HiLink ia64opcode	Statement
+HiLink ia64registers	Operator
+HiLink ia64string	String
+HiLink ia64Hex		Number
+HiLink ia64Binary	Number
+HiLink ia64Octal	Number
+HiLink ia64Float	Float
+HiLink ia64Decimal	Number
+HiLink ia64Identifier	Identifier
+HiLink ia64data		Type
+HiLink ia64delimiter	Delimiter
+HiLink ia64operator	Operator
+HiLink ia64Todo		Todo
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ia64"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/icemenu.vim b/runtime/syntax/icemenu.vim
index d3a733d579..6513287dfc 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/icemenu.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/icemenu.vim
@@ -6,10 +6,8 @@
 " Comment:	Icewm is a lightweight window manager.  This adds syntax
 "		highlighting when editing your user's menu file (~/.icewm/menu).
 
-" clear existing syntax
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/icon.vim b/runtime/syntax/icon.vim
index 1a73c43d8f..1bd12d3220 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/icon.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/icon.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		ftp://ftp.halcyon.com/pub/users/wturner/icon.vim
 " Last Change:	2003 May 11
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -157,56 +154,48 @@ exec "syn sync ccomment iconComment minlines=" . icon_minlines
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
 
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_icon_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_icon_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
 
-  " HiLink iconSpecialCharacter	iconSpecial
+" HiLink iconSpecialCharacter	iconSpecial
 
-  HiLink iconOctalError		iconError
-  HiLink iconParenError		iconError
-  HiLink iconInParen		iconError
-  HiLink iconCommentError	iconError
-  HiLink iconSpaceError		iconError
-  HiLink iconCommentError	iconError
-  HiLink iconIncluded		iconString
-  HiLink iconCommentString	iconString
-  HiLink iconComment2String	iconString
-  HiLink iconCommentSkip	iconComment
+HiLink iconOctalError		iconError
+HiLink iconParenError		iconError
+HiLink iconInParen		iconError
+HiLink iconCommentError	iconError
+HiLink iconSpaceError		iconError
+HiLink iconCommentError	iconError
+HiLink iconIncluded		iconString
+HiLink iconCommentString	iconString
+HiLink iconComment2String	iconString
+HiLink iconCommentSkip	iconComment
 
-  HiLink iconUserLabel		Label
-  HiLink iconCharacter		Character
-  HiLink iconNumber			Number
-  HiLink iconRadix			Number
-  HiLink iconFloat			Float
-  HiLink iconInclude		Include
-  HiLink iconPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink iconDefine			Macro
-  HiLink iconError			Error
-  HiLink iconStatement		Statement
-  HiLink iconPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink iconString			String
-  HiLink iconCset			String
-  HiLink iconComment		Comment
-  HiLink iconSpecial		SpecialChar
-  HiLink iconTodo			Todo
-  HiLink iconStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink iconFunction		Statement
-  HiLink iconReserved		Label
-  HiLink iconKeyword		Operator
+HiLink iconUserLabel		Label
+HiLink iconCharacter		Character
+HiLink iconNumber			Number
+HiLink iconRadix			Number
+HiLink iconFloat			Float
+HiLink iconInclude		Include
+HiLink iconPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink iconDefine			Macro
+HiLink iconError			Error
+HiLink iconStatement		Statement
+HiLink iconPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink iconString			String
+HiLink iconCset			String
+HiLink iconComment		Comment
+HiLink iconSpecial		SpecialChar
+HiLink iconTodo			Todo
+HiLink iconStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink iconFunction		Statement
+HiLink iconReserved		Label
+HiLink iconKeyword		Operator
 
-  "HiLink iconIdentifier	Identifier
+"HiLink iconIdentifier	Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "icon"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/idlang.vim b/runtime/syntax/idlang.vim
index 670d080a7d..6d639c9fa4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/idlang.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/idlang.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Created by: Hermann Rochholz <Hermann.Rochholz AT gmx.de>
 
 " Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -219,35 +216,27 @@ syn keyword idlangRoutine XSQ_TEST XSURFACE XVAREDIT XVOLUME XVOLUME_ROTATE
 syn keyword idlangRoutine XVOLUME_WRITE_IMAGE XYOUTS ZOOM ZOOM_24
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_idlang_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_idlang_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink idlangConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink idlangRoutine	Type
-  HiLink idlangStatement	Statement
-  HiLink idlangContinueLine	Todo
-  HiLink idlangRealNumber	Float
-  HiLink idlangNumber	Number
-  HiLink idlangString	String
-  HiLink idlangOperator	Operator
-  HiLink idlangComment	Comment
-  HiLink idlangTodo	Todo
-  HiLink idlangPreCondit	Identifier
-  HiLink idlangDblCommaError	Error
-  HiLink idlangStop	Error
-  HiLink idlangStrucvar	PreProc
-  HiLink idlangSystem	Identifier
-  HiLink idlangKeyword	Special
+HiLink idlangConditional	Conditional
+HiLink idlangRoutine	Type
+HiLink idlangStatement	Statement
+HiLink idlangContinueLine	Todo
+HiLink idlangRealNumber	Float
+HiLink idlangNumber	Number
+HiLink idlangString	String
+HiLink idlangOperator	Operator
+HiLink idlangComment	Comment
+HiLink idlangTodo	Todo
+HiLink idlangPreCondit	Identifier
+HiLink idlangDblCommaError	Error
+HiLink idlangStop	Error
+HiLink idlangStrucvar	PreProc
+HiLink idlangSystem	Identifier
+HiLink idlangKeyword	Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "idlang"
 " vim: ts=18
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/inform.vim b/runtime/syntax/inform.vim
index d8ba43dcee..4d833c7df2 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/inform.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/inform.vim
@@ -4,10 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.gowarthomas.com/informvim
 " Last Change:  2006 April 20
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -294,13 +292,8 @@ endif
 
 " Handling for different versions of VIM.
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword+=$
-  command -nargs=+ SynDisplay syntax <args> display
-else
-  set iskeyword+=$
-  command -nargs=+ SynDisplay syntax <args>
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword+=$
+command -nargs=+ SynDisplay syntax <args> display
 
 " Grammar sections.
 
@@ -347,61 +340,54 @@ syn sync maxlines=500
 delcommand SynDisplay
 
 " The default highlighting.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_inform_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_inform_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink informDefine		Define
-  HiLink informType		Type
-  HiLink informInclude		Include
-  HiLink informPreCondit	PreCondit
-  HiLink informPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink informGramPreProc	PreProc
-  HiLink informAsm		Special
-  if !exists("inform_suppress_obsolete")
-    HiLink informAsmObsolete		informError
-    HiLink informKeywordObsolete	informError
-  else
-    HiLink informAsmObsolete		Special
-    HiLink informKeywordObsolete	Keyword
-  endif
-  HiLink informPredicate	Operator
-  HiLink informSysFunc		Identifier
-  HiLink informSysConst		Identifier
-  HiLink informConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink informRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink informStatement	Statement
-  HiLink informOperator		Operator
-  HiLink informKeyword		Keyword
-  HiLink informGrammar		Keyword
-  HiLink informDictString	String
-  HiLink informNumber		Number
-  HiLink informError		Error
-  HiLink informString		String
-  HiLink informComment		Comment
-  HiLink informAccent		Special
-  HiLink informStringUnicode	Special
-  HiLink informStringCode	Special
-  HiLink informTodo		Todo
-  if !exists("inform_highlight_simple")
-    HiLink informLibAttrib	Identifier
-    HiLink informLibProp	Identifier
-    HiLink informLibObj		Identifier
-    HiLink informLibRoutine	Identifier
-    HiLink informLibVariable	Identifier
-    HiLink informLibConst	Identifier
-    HiLink informLibAction	Identifier
-  endif
-  HiLink informBadDictString	informError
-  HiLink informBadAccent	informError
-  HiLink informBadStrUnicode	informError
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+HiLink informDefine		Define
+HiLink informType		Type
+HiLink informInclude		Include
+HiLink informPreCondit	PreCondit
+HiLink informPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink informGramPreProc	PreProc
+HiLink informAsm		Special
+if !exists("inform_suppress_obsolete")
+HiLink informAsmObsolete		informError
+HiLink informKeywordObsolete	informError
+else
+HiLink informAsmObsolete		Special
+HiLink informKeywordObsolete	Keyword
 endif
+HiLink informPredicate	Operator
+HiLink informSysFunc		Identifier
+HiLink informSysConst		Identifier
+HiLink informConditional	Conditional
+HiLink informRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink informStatement	Statement
+HiLink informOperator		Operator
+HiLink informKeyword		Keyword
+HiLink informGrammar		Keyword
+HiLink informDictString	String
+HiLink informNumber		Number
+HiLink informError		Error
+HiLink informString		String
+HiLink informComment		Comment
+HiLink informAccent		Special
+HiLink informStringUnicode	Special
+HiLink informStringCode	Special
+HiLink informTodo		Todo
+if !exists("inform_highlight_simple")
+HiLink informLibAttrib	Identifier
+HiLink informLibProp	Identifier
+HiLink informLibObj		Identifier
+HiLink informLibRoutine	Identifier
+HiLink informLibVariable	Identifier
+HiLink informLibConst	Identifier
+HiLink informLibAction	Identifier
+endif
+HiLink informBadDictString	informError
+HiLink informBadAccent	informError
+HiLink informBadStrUnicode	informError
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "inform"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/inittab.vim b/runtime/syntax/inittab.vim
index b7472f9e0f..a743c82f82 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/inittab.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/inittab.vim
@@ -6,12 +6,9 @@
 " URL: http://physics.muni.cz/~yeti/download/syntax/inittab.vim
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-  if exists("b:current_syntax")
-    finish
-  endif
-else
-  syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+  finish
 endif
 
 syn case match
@@ -45,31 +42,24 @@ syn match inittabProcessPlus "+" contained nextgroup=inittabProcess,inittabError
 syn region inittabProcess start="/" end="$" transparent oneline contained contains=@inittabSh,inittabComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_inittab_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_inittab_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink inittabComment Comment
-  HiLink inittabFixme Todo
-  HiLink inittabActionName Type
-  HiLink inittabError Error
-  HiLink inittabId Identifier
-  HiLink inittabRunLevels Special
+HiLink inittabComment Comment
+HiLink inittabFixme Todo
+HiLink inittabActionName Type
+HiLink inittabError Error
+HiLink inittabId Identifier
+HiLink inittabRunLevels Special
 
-  HiLink inittabColonProcess inittabColon
-  HiLink inittabColonAction inittabColon
-  HiLink inittabColonRunLevels inittabColon
-  HiLink inittabColon PreProc
+HiLink inittabColonProcess inittabColon
+HiLink inittabColonAction inittabColon
+HiLink inittabColonRunLevels inittabColon
+HiLink inittabColon PreProc
 
-  HiLink inittabShString String
-  HiLink inittabShOption Special
-  HiLink inittabShCommand Statement
+HiLink inittabShString String
+HiLink inittabShOption Special
+HiLink inittabShCommand Statement
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "inittab"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ipfilter.vim b/runtime/syntax/ipfilter.vim
index db99812852..a7b7df2bac 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ipfilter.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ipfilter.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " not correctly identified.
 " Please send comments to hendrik@scholz.net
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ishd.vim b/runtime/syntax/ishd.vim
index 1c011f1b92..78d88b9c17 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ishd.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ishd.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Robert M. Cortopassi <cortopar@mindspring.com>
 " Last Change:	2001 May 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -387,35 +384,27 @@ syn cluster	ishdPreProcGroup	contains=ishdPreCondit,ishdIncluded,ishdInclude,ish
 syn region	ishdDefine		start="^\s*#\s*\(define\|undef\)\>" end="$" contains=ALLBUT,@ishdPreProcGroup
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_is_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_is_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink ishdNumber	    Number
-  HiLink ishdError	    Error
-  HiLink ishdStatement	    Statement
-  HiLink ishdString	    String
-  HiLink ishdComment	    Comment
-  HiLink ishdTodo	    Todo
-  HiLink ishdFunction	    Identifier
-  HiLink ishdConstant	    PreProc
-  HiLink ishdType	    Type
-  HiLink ishdInclude	    Include
-  HiLink ishdDefine	    Macro
-  HiLink ishdIncluded	    String
-  HiLink ishdPreCondit	    PreCondit
-  HiLink ishdHashIf0Skip   ishdHashIf0
-  HiLink ishdHashIf0End    ishdHashIf0
-  HiLink ishdHashIf0	    Comment
+HiLink ishdNumber	    Number
+HiLink ishdError	    Error
+HiLink ishdStatement	    Statement
+HiLink ishdString	    String
+HiLink ishdComment	    Comment
+HiLink ishdTodo	    Todo
+HiLink ishdFunction	    Identifier
+HiLink ishdConstant	    PreProc
+HiLink ishdType	    Type
+HiLink ishdInclude	    Include
+HiLink ishdDefine	    Macro
+HiLink ishdIncluded	    String
+HiLink ishdPreCondit	    PreCondit
+HiLink ishdHashIf0Skip   ishdHashIf0
+HiLink ishdHashIf0End    ishdHashIf0
+HiLink ishdHashIf0	    Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ishd"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/iss.vim b/runtime/syntax/iss.vim
index 26d9150b5a..63a453adac 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/iss.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/iss.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 "  - Pascal scripting syntax is not recognized.
 "  - Embedded double quotes confuse string matches. e.g. "asfd""asfa"
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -105,44 +102,36 @@ syn keyword issTasksFlags checkedonce dontinheritcheck exclusive restart uncheck
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_iss_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_iss_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-   " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-   HiLink issSection	Special
-   HiLink issComment	Comment
-   HiLink issDirective	Type
-   HiLink issParam	Type
-   HiLink issFolder	Special
-   HiLink issString	String
-   HiLink issURL	Include
-   HiLink issPreProc	PreProc 
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink issSection	Special
+HiLink issComment	Comment
+HiLink issDirective	Type
+HiLink issParam	Type
+HiLink issFolder	Special
+HiLink issString	String
+HiLink issURL	Include
+HiLink issPreProc	PreProc 
 
-   HiLink issDirsFlags		Keyword
-   HiLink issFilesCopyMode	Keyword
-   HiLink issFilesAttribs	Keyword
-   HiLink issFilesPermissions	Keyword
-   HiLink issFilesFlags		Keyword
-   HiLink issIconsFlags		Keyword
-   HiLink issINIFlags		Keyword
-   HiLink issRegRootKey		Keyword
-   HiLink issRegValueType	Keyword
-   HiLink issRegFlags		Keyword
-   HiLink issRunFlags		Keyword
-   HiLink issTypesFlags		Keyword
-   HiLink issComponentsFlags	Keyword
-   HiLink issInstallDeleteType	Keyword
-   HiLink issTasksFlags		Keyword
+HiLink issDirsFlags		Keyword
+HiLink issFilesCopyMode	Keyword
+HiLink issFilesAttribs	Keyword
+HiLink issFilesPermissions	Keyword
+HiLink issFilesFlags		Keyword
+HiLink issIconsFlags		Keyword
+HiLink issINIFlags		Keyword
+HiLink issRegRootKey		Keyword
+HiLink issRegValueType	Keyword
+HiLink issRegFlags		Keyword
+HiLink issRunFlags		Keyword
+HiLink issTypesFlags		Keyword
+HiLink issComponentsFlags	Keyword
+HiLink issInstallDeleteType	Keyword
+HiLink issTasksFlags		Keyword
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "iss"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ist.vim b/runtime/syntax/ist.vim
index 131d833cbc..f3f005bf00 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ist.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ist.vim
@@ -3,22 +3,15 @@
 " Maintainer:	Peter Meszaros <pmeszaros@effice.hu>
 " Last Change:	2012 Jan 08 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=$,@,48-57,_
-else
-  set iskeyword=$,@,48-57,_
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=$,@,48-57,_
 
 syn case ignore
 syn keyword IstInpSpec  actual  arg_close arg_open encap       escape
@@ -45,28 +38,20 @@ syn match   IstSpecial	   "\\\\\|{\|}\|#\|\\n"  contained
 syn match   IstTodo	   "DEBUG\|TODO"	 contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_dummy_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_dummy_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink IstInpSpec	Type
-  HiLink IstOutSpec	Identifier
-  HiLink IstString	String
-  HiLink IstNumber	Number
-  HiLink IstComment	Comment
-  HiLink IstTodo	Todo
-  HiLink IstSpecial	Special
-  HiLink IstDoubleQuote	Label
-  HiLink IstCharacter	Label
+HiLink IstInpSpec	Type
+HiLink IstOutSpec	Identifier
+HiLink IstString	String
+HiLink IstNumber	Number
+HiLink IstComment	Comment
+HiLink IstTodo	Todo
+HiLink IstSpecial	Special
+HiLink IstDoubleQuote	Label
+HiLink IstCharacter	Label
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ist"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/jal.vim b/runtime/syntax/jal.vim
index d0ba672851..ded2ecd3d1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/jal.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/jal.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 "
 " TODO test.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -171,77 +168,69 @@ endif
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_jal_syn_inits")
-if version < 508
-  let did_jal_syn_inits = 1
-  command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-else
-  command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink jalAcces		jalStatement
-  HiLink jalBoolean		Boolean
-  HiLink jalBit			Boolean
-  HiLink jalComment		Comment
-  HiLink jalConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink jalConstant		Constant
-  HiLink jalDelimiter		Identifier
-  HiLink jalDirective		PreProc
-  HiLink jalException		Exception
-  HiLink jalFloat		Float
-  HiLink jalFunction		Function
-  HiLink jalPsudoVarsKey	Function
-  HiLink jalLabel		Label
-  HiLink jalMatrixDelimiter	Identifier
-  HiLink jalModifier		Type
-  HiLink jalNumber		Number
-  HiLink jalBinNumber		Number
-  HiLink jalHexNumber		Number
-  HiLink jalOperator		Operator
-  HiLink jalPredefined		Constant
-  HiLink jalPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink jalRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink jalStatement		Statement
-  HiLink jalString		String
-  HiLink jalStringEscape	Special
-  HiLink jalStringEscapeGPC	Special
-  HiLink jalStringError		Error
-  HiLink jalStruct		jalStatement
-  HiLink jalSymbolOperator	jalOperator
-  HiLink jalTodo		Todo
-  HiLink jalType		Type
-  HiLink jalUnclassified	Statement
-  HiLink jalAsm			Assembler
-  HiLink jalError		Error
-  HiLink jalAsmKey		Statement
-  HiLink jalPIC			Statement
+HiLink jalAcces		jalStatement
+HiLink jalBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink jalBit			Boolean
+HiLink jalComment		Comment
+HiLink jalConditional		Conditional
+HiLink jalConstant		Constant
+HiLink jalDelimiter		Identifier
+HiLink jalDirective		PreProc
+HiLink jalException		Exception
+HiLink jalFloat		Float
+HiLink jalFunction		Function
+HiLink jalPsudoVarsKey	Function
+HiLink jalLabel		Label
+HiLink jalMatrixDelimiter	Identifier
+HiLink jalModifier		Type
+HiLink jalNumber		Number
+HiLink jalBinNumber		Number
+HiLink jalHexNumber		Number
+HiLink jalOperator		Operator
+HiLink jalPredefined		Constant
+HiLink jalPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink jalRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink jalStatement		Statement
+HiLink jalString		String
+HiLink jalStringEscape	Special
+HiLink jalStringEscapeGPC	Special
+HiLink jalStringError		Error
+HiLink jalStruct		jalStatement
+HiLink jalSymbolOperator	jalOperator
+HiLink jalTodo		Todo
+HiLink jalType		Type
+HiLink jalUnclassified	Statement
+HiLink jalAsm			Assembler
+HiLink jalError		Error
+HiLink jalAsmKey		Statement
+HiLink jalPIC			Statement
 
-  HiLink jalShowTab		Error
+HiLink jalShowTab		Error
 
-  HiLink picTodo		Todo
-  HiLink picComment		Comment
-  HiLink picDirective		Statement
-  HiLink picLabel		Label
-  HiLink picString		String
+HiLink picTodo		Todo
+HiLink picComment		Comment
+HiLink picDirective		Statement
+HiLink picLabel		Label
+HiLink picString		String
 
-  HiLink picOpcode		Keyword
-  HiLink picRegister		Structure
-  HiLink picRegisterPart	Special
-  HiLink picPinDir		SPecial
-  HiLink picPortDir		SPecial
+HiLink picOpcode		Keyword
+HiLink picRegister		Structure
+HiLink picRegisterPart	Special
+HiLink picPinDir		SPecial
+HiLink picPortDir		SPecial
 
-  HiLink picASCII		String
-  HiLink picBinary		Number
-  HiLink picDecimal		Number
-  HiLink picHexadecimal		Number
-  HiLink picOctal		Number
+HiLink picASCII		String
+HiLink picBinary		Number
+HiLink picDecimal		Number
+HiLink picHexadecimal		Number
+HiLink picOctal		Number
 
-  HiLink picIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink picIdentifier		Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "jal"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/jam.vim b/runtime/syntax/jam.vim
index cbd99bb9ce..f165a78eff 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/jam.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/jam.vim
@@ -3,22 +3,15 @@
 " Maintainer:	Ralf Lemke (ralflemk@t-online.de)
 " Last change:	2012 Jan 08 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
-else
-  set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
 
 " A bunch of useful jam keywords
 syn keyword	jamStatement	break call dbms flush global include msg parms proc public receive return send unload vars
@@ -167,88 +160,80 @@ syntax match	jamCommentError	"\*/"
 syntax match    jamOperator3Error   "*/"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_jam_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_jam_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink jamCommentL		jamComment
-    HiLink jamCommentL2		jamComment
-    HiLink jamOperator3Error	jamError
-    HiLink jamConditional	Conditional
-    HiLink jamRepeat		Repeat
-    HiLink jamCharacter		Character
-    HiLink jamSpecialCharacter	jamSpecial
-    HiLink jamNumber		Number
-    HiLink jamParenError	jamError
-    HiLink jamErrInParen	jamError
-    HiLink jamErrInBracket	jamError
-    HiLink jamCommentError	jamError
-    HiLink jamSpaceError	jamError
-    HiLink jamSpecialError	jamError
-    HiLink jamOperator1		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator2		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator3		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator4		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator5		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator6		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator7		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator8		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator9		jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator10	jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator11	jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator12	jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator13	jamOperator
-    HiLink jamOperator14	jamOperator
-    HiLink jamError		Error
-    HiLink jamStatement		Statement
-    HiLink jamPreCondit		PreCondit
-    HiLink jamCommentError	jamError
-    HiLink jamCommentString	jamString
-    HiLink jamComment2String	jamString
-    HiLink jamCommentSkip	jamComment
-    HiLink jamString		String
-    HiLink jamComment		Comment
-    HiLink jamSpecial		SpecialChar
-    HiLink jamTodo		Todo
-    HiLink jamCppSkip		jamCppOut
-    HiLink jamCppOut2		jamCppOut
-    HiLink jamCppOut		Comment
-    HiLink jamDBState1		Identifier
-    HiLink jamDBState2		Identifier
-    HiLink jamSQLState1		jamSQL
-    HiLink jamSQLState2		jamSQL
-    HiLink jamLibFunc1		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamLibFunc2		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamLibFunc3		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamLibFunc4		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamLibFunc5		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamLibFunc6		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamLibFunc7		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamLibFunc8		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamLibFunc9		jamLibFunc
-    HiLink jamVariable1		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable2		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable3		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable4		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable5		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable6		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable7		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable8		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable9		jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariable10	jamVariablen
-    HiLink jamVariablen		Constant
-    HiLink jamSQL		Type
-    HiLink jamLibFunc		PreProc
-    HiLink jamOperator		Special
+HiLink jamCommentL		jamComment
+HiLink jamCommentL2		jamComment
+HiLink jamOperator3Error	jamError
+HiLink jamConditional	Conditional
+HiLink jamRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink jamCharacter		Character
+HiLink jamSpecialCharacter	jamSpecial
+HiLink jamNumber		Number
+HiLink jamParenError	jamError
+HiLink jamErrInParen	jamError
+HiLink jamErrInBracket	jamError
+HiLink jamCommentError	jamError
+HiLink jamSpaceError	jamError
+HiLink jamSpecialError	jamError
+HiLink jamOperator1		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator2		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator3		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator4		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator5		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator6		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator7		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator8		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator9		jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator10	jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator11	jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator12	jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator13	jamOperator
+HiLink jamOperator14	jamOperator
+HiLink jamError		Error
+HiLink jamStatement		Statement
+HiLink jamPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink jamCommentError	jamError
+HiLink jamCommentString	jamString
+HiLink jamComment2String	jamString
+HiLink jamCommentSkip	jamComment
+HiLink jamString		String
+HiLink jamComment		Comment
+HiLink jamSpecial		SpecialChar
+HiLink jamTodo		Todo
+HiLink jamCppSkip		jamCppOut
+HiLink jamCppOut2		jamCppOut
+HiLink jamCppOut		Comment
+HiLink jamDBState1		Identifier
+HiLink jamDBState2		Identifier
+HiLink jamSQLState1		jamSQL
+HiLink jamSQLState2		jamSQL
+HiLink jamLibFunc1		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamLibFunc2		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamLibFunc3		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamLibFunc4		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamLibFunc5		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamLibFunc6		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamLibFunc7		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamLibFunc8		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamLibFunc9		jamLibFunc
+HiLink jamVariable1		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable2		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable3		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable4		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable5		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable6		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable7		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable8		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable9		jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariable10	jamVariablen
+HiLink jamVariablen		Constant
+HiLink jamSQL		Type
+HiLink jamLibFunc		PreProc
+HiLink jamOperator		Special
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "jam"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/jargon.vim b/runtime/syntax/jargon.vim
index 25a88bc981..97b03c3478 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/jargon.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/jargon.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	<rms@poczta.onet.pl>
 " Last Change:	2001 May 26
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -17,20 +14,12 @@ syn match jargonUrl	 +\(http\|ftp\)://[^\t )"]*+
 syn match jargonMark	/{[^}]*}/
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_jargon_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_jargon_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
-	HiLink jargonChaptTitle	Title
-	HiLink jargonEmailAddr	 Comment
-	HiLink jargonUrl	 Comment
-	HiLink jargonMark	Label
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink jargonChaptTitle	Title
+HiLink jargonEmailAddr	 Comment
+HiLink jargonUrl	 Comment
+HiLink jargonMark	Label
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "jargon"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/java.vim b/runtime/syntax/java.vim
index e113a904c3..c22c67bba3 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/java.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/java.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,9 @@
 
 " Please check :help java.vim for comments on some of the options available.
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   " we define it here so that included files can test for it
@@ -22,11 +20,7 @@ let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
 " don't use standard HiLink, it will not work with included syntax files
-if version < 508
-  command! -nargs=+ JavaHiLink hi link <args>
-else
-  command! -nargs=+ JavaHiLink hi def link <args>
-endif
+command! -nargs=+ JavaHiLink hi def link <args>
 
 " some characters that cannot be in a java program (outside a string)
 syn match javaError "[\\@`]"
@@ -242,23 +236,21 @@ if exists("java_highlight_debug")
 
   syn cluster javaTop add=javaDebug
 
-  if version >= 508 || !exists("did_c_syn_inits")
-    JavaHiLink javaDebug		 Debug
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugString		 DebugString
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugStringError	 javaError
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugType		 DebugType
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugBoolean		 DebugBoolean
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugNumber		 Debug
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugSpecial		 DebugSpecial
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugSpecialCharacter DebugSpecial
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugCharacter	 DebugString
-    JavaHiLink javaDebugParen		 Debug
+  JavaHiLink javaDebug		 Debug
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugString		 DebugString
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugStringError	 javaError
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugType		 DebugType
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugBoolean		 DebugBoolean
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugNumber		 Debug
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugSpecial		 DebugSpecial
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugSpecialCharacter DebugSpecial
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugCharacter	 DebugString
+  JavaHiLink javaDebugParen		 Debug
 
-    JavaHiLink DebugString		 String
-    JavaHiLink DebugSpecial		 Special
-    JavaHiLink DebugBoolean		 Boolean
-    JavaHiLink DebugType		 Type
-  endif
+  JavaHiLink DebugString		 String
+  JavaHiLink DebugSpecial		 Special
+  JavaHiLink DebugBoolean		 Boolean
+  JavaHiLink DebugType		 Type
 endif
 
 if exists("java_mark_braces_in_parens_as_errors")
@@ -291,59 +283,54 @@ endif
 exec "syn sync ccomment javaComment minlines=" . java_minlines
 
 " The default highlighting.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_java_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_java_syn_inits = 1
-  endif
-  JavaHiLink javaLambdaDef		Function
-  JavaHiLink javaFuncDef		Function
-  JavaHiLink javaVarArg			Function
-  JavaHiLink javaBraces			Function
-  JavaHiLink javaBranch			Conditional
-  JavaHiLink javaUserLabelRef		javaUserLabel
-  JavaHiLink javaLabel			Label
-  JavaHiLink javaUserLabel		Label
-  JavaHiLink javaConditional		Conditional
-  JavaHiLink javaRepeat			Repeat
-  JavaHiLink javaExceptions		Exception
-  JavaHiLink javaAssert			Statement
-  JavaHiLink javaStorageClass		StorageClass
-  JavaHiLink javaMethodDecl		javaStorageClass
-  JavaHiLink javaClassDecl		javaStorageClass
-  JavaHiLink javaScopeDecl		javaStorageClass
-  JavaHiLink javaBoolean		Boolean
-  JavaHiLink javaSpecial		Special
-  JavaHiLink javaSpecialError		Error
-  JavaHiLink javaSpecialCharError	Error
-  JavaHiLink javaString			String
-  JavaHiLink javaCharacter		Character
-  JavaHiLink javaSpecialChar		SpecialChar
-  JavaHiLink javaNumber			Number
-  JavaHiLink javaError			Error
-  JavaHiLink javaStringError		Error
-  JavaHiLink javaStatement		Statement
-  JavaHiLink javaOperator		Operator
-  JavaHiLink javaComment		Comment
-  JavaHiLink javaDocComment		Comment
-  JavaHiLink javaLineComment		Comment
-  JavaHiLink javaConstant		Constant
-  JavaHiLink javaTypedef		Typedef
-  JavaHiLink javaTodo			Todo
-  JavaHiLink javaAnnotation		PreProc
+JavaHiLink javaLambdaDef		Function
+JavaHiLink javaFuncDef		Function
+JavaHiLink javaVarArg			Function
+JavaHiLink javaBraces			Function
+JavaHiLink javaBranch			Conditional
+JavaHiLink javaUserLabelRef		javaUserLabel
+JavaHiLink javaLabel			Label
+JavaHiLink javaUserLabel		Label
+JavaHiLink javaConditional		Conditional
+JavaHiLink javaRepeat			Repeat
+JavaHiLink javaExceptions		Exception
+JavaHiLink javaAssert			Statement
+JavaHiLink javaStorageClass		StorageClass
+JavaHiLink javaMethodDecl		javaStorageClass
+JavaHiLink javaClassDecl		javaStorageClass
+JavaHiLink javaScopeDecl		javaStorageClass
+JavaHiLink javaBoolean		Boolean
+JavaHiLink javaSpecial		Special
+JavaHiLink javaSpecialError		Error
+JavaHiLink javaSpecialCharError	Error
+JavaHiLink javaString			String
+JavaHiLink javaCharacter		Character
+JavaHiLink javaSpecialChar		SpecialChar
+JavaHiLink javaNumber			Number
+JavaHiLink javaError			Error
+JavaHiLink javaStringError		Error
+JavaHiLink javaStatement		Statement
+JavaHiLink javaOperator		Operator
+JavaHiLink javaComment		Comment
+JavaHiLink javaDocComment		Comment
+JavaHiLink javaLineComment		Comment
+JavaHiLink javaConstant		Constant
+JavaHiLink javaTypedef		Typedef
+JavaHiLink javaTodo			Todo
+JavaHiLink javaAnnotation		PreProc
 
-  JavaHiLink javaCommentTitle		SpecialComment
-  JavaHiLink javaDocTags		Special
-  JavaHiLink javaDocParam		Function
-  JavaHiLink javaDocSeeTagParam		Function
-  JavaHiLink javaCommentStar		javaComment
+JavaHiLink javaCommentTitle		SpecialComment
+JavaHiLink javaDocTags		Special
+JavaHiLink javaDocParam		Function
+JavaHiLink javaDocSeeTagParam		Function
+JavaHiLink javaCommentStar		javaComment
 
-  JavaHiLink javaType			Type
-  JavaHiLink javaExternal		Include
+JavaHiLink javaType			Type
+JavaHiLink javaExternal		Include
 
-  JavaHiLink htmlComment		Special
-  JavaHiLink htmlCommentPart		Special
-  JavaHiLink javaSpaceError		Error
-endif
+JavaHiLink htmlComment		Special
+JavaHiLink htmlCommentPart		Special
+JavaHiLink javaSpaceError		Error
 
 delcommand JavaHiLink
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/javacc.vim b/runtime/syntax/javacc.vim
index 5458de754e..93d174097e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/javacc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/javacc.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " Uses java.vim, and adds a few special things for JavaCC Parser files.
 " Those files usually have the extension  *.jj
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -19,11 +16,7 @@ let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
 " source the java.vim file
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/java.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/java.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/java.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 "remove catching errors caused by wrong parenthesis (does not work in javacc
@@ -58,22 +51,14 @@ syn keyword javaccActionToken TOKEN SKIP MORE SPECIAL_TOKEN
 syn keyword javaccError DEBUG IGNORE_IN_BNF
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_css_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_css_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink javaccSpecToken Statement
-  HiLink javaccActionToken Type
-  HiLink javaccPackages javaScopeDecl
-  HiLink javaccToken String
-  HiLink javaccError Error
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink javaccSpecToken Statement
+HiLink javaccActionToken Type
+HiLink javaccPackages javaScopeDecl
+HiLink javaccToken String
+HiLink javaccError Error
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "javacc"
 let &cpo = s:cpo_save
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/javascript.vim b/runtime/syntax/javascript.vim
index 1b20f987d9..e3e8262d39 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/javascript.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/javascript.vim
@@ -10,15 +10,12 @@
 " Last Change:	2012 Oct 05
 " 		2013 Jun 12: adjusted javaScriptRegexpString (Kevin Locke)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 " tuning parameters:
 " unlet javaScript_fold
 
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  " quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   let main_syntax = 'javascript'
@@ -29,11 +26,6 @@ endif
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
-" Drop fold if it set but vim doesn't support it.
-if version < 600 && exists("javaScript_fold")
-  unlet javaScript_fold
-endif
-
 
 syn keyword javaScriptCommentTodo      TODO FIXME XXX TBD contained
 syn match   javaScriptLineComment      "\/\/.*" contains=@Spell,javaScriptCommentTodo
@@ -87,51 +79,43 @@ if main_syntax == "javascript"
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_javascript_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_javascript_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink javaScriptComment		Comment
-  HiLink javaScriptLineComment		Comment
-  HiLink javaScriptCommentTodo		Todo
-  HiLink javaScriptSpecial		Special
-  HiLink javaScriptStringS		String
-  HiLink javaScriptStringD		String
-  HiLink javaScriptCharacter		Character
-  HiLink javaScriptSpecialCharacter	javaScriptSpecial
-  HiLink javaScriptNumber		javaScriptValue
-  HiLink javaScriptConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink javaScriptRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink javaScriptBranch		Conditional
-  HiLink javaScriptOperator		Operator
-  HiLink javaScriptType			Type
-  HiLink javaScriptStatement		Statement
-  HiLink javaScriptFunction		Function
-  HiLink javaScriptBraces		Function
-  HiLink javaScriptError		Error
-  HiLink javaScrParenError		javaScriptError
-  HiLink javaScriptNull			Keyword
-  HiLink javaScriptBoolean		Boolean
-  HiLink javaScriptRegexpString		String
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink javaScriptComment		Comment
+HiLink javaScriptLineComment		Comment
+HiLink javaScriptCommentTodo		Todo
+HiLink javaScriptSpecial		Special
+HiLink javaScriptStringS		String
+HiLink javaScriptStringD		String
+HiLink javaScriptCharacter		Character
+HiLink javaScriptSpecialCharacter	javaScriptSpecial
+HiLink javaScriptNumber		javaScriptValue
+HiLink javaScriptConditional		Conditional
+HiLink javaScriptRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink javaScriptBranch		Conditional
+HiLink javaScriptOperator		Operator
+HiLink javaScriptType			Type
+HiLink javaScriptStatement		Statement
+HiLink javaScriptFunction		Function
+HiLink javaScriptBraces		Function
+HiLink javaScriptError		Error
+HiLink javaScrParenError		javaScriptError
+HiLink javaScriptNull			Keyword
+HiLink javaScriptBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink javaScriptRegexpString		String
 
-  HiLink javaScriptIdentifier		Identifier
-  HiLink javaScriptLabel		Label
-  HiLink javaScriptException		Exception
-  HiLink javaScriptMessage		Keyword
-  HiLink javaScriptGlobal		Keyword
-  HiLink javaScriptMember		Keyword
-  HiLink javaScriptDeprecated		Exception 
-  HiLink javaScriptReserved		Keyword
-  HiLink javaScriptDebug		Debug
-  HiLink javaScriptConstant		Label
+HiLink javaScriptIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink javaScriptLabel		Label
+HiLink javaScriptException		Exception
+HiLink javaScriptMessage		Keyword
+HiLink javaScriptGlobal		Keyword
+HiLink javaScriptMember		Keyword
+HiLink javaScriptDeprecated		Exception 
+HiLink javaScriptReserved		Keyword
+HiLink javaScriptDebug		Debug
+HiLink javaScriptConstant		Label
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "javascript"
 if main_syntax == 'javascript'
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/jess.vim b/runtime/syntax/jess.vim
index 243bab351e..ad625ac73f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/jess.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/jess.vim
@@ -4,19 +4,12 @@
 " Last change:	September 14, 2000
 " Based on lisp.vim by : Dr. Charles E. Campbell, Jr.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  set iskeyword=42,43,45,47-58,60-62,64-90,97-122,_
-else
-  setlocal iskeyword=42,43,45,47-58,60-62,64-90,97-122,_
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=42,43,45,47-58,60-62,64-90,97-122,_
 
 " Lists
 syn match	jessSymbol	![^()'`,"; \t]\+!	contained
@@ -125,36 +118,28 @@ syn match	jessComment	";.*$"
 syn sync lines=100
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_jess_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_jess_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink jessAtomNmbr	jessNumber
-  HiLink jessAtomMark	jessMark
+HiLink jessAtomNmbr	jessNumber
+HiLink jessAtomMark	jessMark
 
-  HiLink jessAtom		Identifier
-  HiLink jessAtomBarSymbol	Special
-  HiLink jessBarSymbol	Special
-  HiLink jessComment	Comment
-  HiLink jessConcat	Statement
-  HiLink jessDeclaration	Statement
-  HiLink jessFunc		Statement
-  HiLink jessKey		Type
-  HiLink jessMark		Delimiter
-  HiLink jessNumber	Number
-  HiLink jessParenError	Error
-  HiLink jessSpecial	Type
-  HiLink jessString	String
-  HiLink jessVar		Identifier
+HiLink jessAtom		Identifier
+HiLink jessAtomBarSymbol	Special
+HiLink jessBarSymbol	Special
+HiLink jessComment	Comment
+HiLink jessConcat	Statement
+HiLink jessDeclaration	Statement
+HiLink jessFunc		Statement
+HiLink jessKey		Type
+HiLink jessMark		Delimiter
+HiLink jessNumber	Number
+HiLink jessParenError	Error
+HiLink jessSpecial	Type
+HiLink jessString	String
+HiLink jessVar		Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "jess"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/jgraph.vim b/runtime/syntax/jgraph.vim
index 7ecd5afaec..43fc4275de 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/jgraph.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/jgraph.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " this syntax file is not yet complete
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -36,23 +33,15 @@ syn match  jgraphNumber		 "\-\=\.\d\+\>"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_jgraph_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_jgraph_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink jgraphComment	Comment
-  HiLink jgraphCmd	Identifier
-  HiLink jgraphType	Type
-  HiLink jgraphNumber	Number
+HiLink jgraphComment	Comment
+HiLink jgraphCmd	Identifier
+HiLink jgraphType	Type
+HiLink jgraphNumber	Number
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "jgraph"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/jproperties.vim b/runtime/syntax/jproperties.vim
index 9343bd292b..bde160b24d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/jproperties.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/jproperties.vim
@@ -43,11 +43,8 @@ endif
 
 " =============================================================================
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -120,28 +117,20 @@ syn match   jpropertiesComment		"^\s*[#!].*$" contains=jpropertiesTODO
 syn keyword jpropertiesTodo		TODO FIXME XXX contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_jproperties_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_jproperties_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink jpropertiesComment	Comment
-	HiLink jpropertiesTodo		Todo
-	HiLink jpropertiesIdentifier	Identifier
-	HiLink jpropertiesString	String
-	HiLink jpropertiesExtendString	String
-	HiLink jpropertiesCharacter	Character
-	HiLink jpropertiesSpecial	Special
-	HiLink jpropertiesSpecialChar	SpecialChar
-	HiLink jpropertiesError	Error
+HiLink jpropertiesComment	Comment
+HiLink jpropertiesTodo		Todo
+HiLink jpropertiesIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink jpropertiesString	String
+HiLink jpropertiesExtendString	String
+HiLink jpropertiesCharacter	Character
+HiLink jpropertiesSpecial	Special
+HiLink jpropertiesSpecialChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink jpropertiesError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "jproperties"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/json.vim b/runtime/syntax/json.vim
index 1fdfea2d09..34c26d37d8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/json.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/json.vim
@@ -5,9 +5,8 @@
 " Version:      0.12
 
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  " quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   let main_syntax = 'json'
@@ -93,39 +92,31 @@ syn region  jsonFold matchgroup=jsonBraces start="{" end=/}\(\_s\+\ze\("\|{\)\)\
 syn region  jsonFold matchgroup=jsonBraces start="\[" end=/]\(\_s\+\ze"\)\@!/ transparent fold
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_json_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_json_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink jsonPadding         Operator
-  HiLink jsonString          String
-  HiLink jsonTest          Label
-  HiLink jsonEscape          Special
-  HiLink jsonNumber          Number
-  HiLink jsonBraces          Delimiter
-  HiLink jsonNull            Function
-  HiLink jsonBoolean         Boolean
-  HiLink jsonKeyword         Label
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink jsonPadding         Operator
+HiLink jsonString          String
+HiLink jsonTest          Label
+HiLink jsonEscape          Special
+HiLink jsonNumber          Number
+HiLink jsonBraces          Delimiter
+HiLink jsonNull            Function
+HiLink jsonBoolean         Boolean
+HiLink jsonKeyword         Label
 
-	if (!exists("g:vim_json_warnings") || g:vim_json_warnings==1)
-	  HiLink jsonNumError        Error
-	  HiLink jsonCommentError    Error
-	  HiLink jsonSemicolonError  Error
-	  HiLink jsonTrailingCommaError     Error
-	  HiLink jsonMissingCommaError      Error
-	  HiLink jsonStringSQError        	Error
-	  HiLink jsonNoQuotesError        	Error
-	  HiLink jsonTripleQuotesError     	Error
-  endif
-  HiLink jsonQuote           Quote
-  HiLink jsonNoise           Noise
-  delcommand HiLink
+if (!exists("g:vim_json_warnings") || g:vim_json_warnings==1)
+HiLink jsonNumError        Error
+HiLink jsonCommentError    Error
+HiLink jsonSemicolonError  Error
+HiLink jsonTrailingCommaError     Error
+HiLink jsonMissingCommaError      Error
+HiLink jsonStringSQError        	Error
+HiLink jsonNoQuotesError        	Error
+HiLink jsonTripleQuotesError     	Error
 endif
+HiLink jsonQuote           Quote
+HiLink jsonNoise           Noise
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "json"
 if main_syntax == 'json'
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/jsp.vim b/runtime/syntax/jsp.vim
index 9766657596..812a81465b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/jsp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/jsp.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Credits : Patch by Darren Greaves (recognizes <jsp:...> tags)
 "	    Patch by Thomas Kimpton (recognizes jspExpr inside HTML tags)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -19,11 +16,7 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
 endif
 
 " Source HTML syntax
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " Next syntax items are case-sensitive
@@ -52,29 +45,21 @@ syn clear htmlTag
 syn region htmlTag start=+<[^/%]+ end=+>+ contains=htmlTagN,htmlString,htmlArg,htmlValue,htmlTagError,htmlEvent,htmlCssDefinition,@htmlPreproc,@htmlArgCluster,jspExpr,javaScript
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_jsp_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_jsp_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  " java.vim has redefined htmlComment highlighting
-  HiLink htmlComment	 Comment
-  HiLink htmlCommentPart Comment
-  " Be consistent with html highlight settings
-  HiLink jspComment	 htmlComment
-  HiLink jspTag		 htmlTag
-  HiLink jspDirective	 jspTag
-  HiLink jspDirName	 htmlTagName
-  HiLink jspDirArg	 htmlArg
-  HiLink jspCommand	 jspTag
-  HiLink jspCommandName  htmlTagName
-  HiLink jspCommandArg	 htmlArg
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+" java.vim has redefined htmlComment highlighting
+HiLink htmlComment	 Comment
+HiLink htmlCommentPart Comment
+" Be consistent with html highlight settings
+HiLink jspComment	 htmlComment
+HiLink jspTag		 htmlTag
+HiLink jspDirective	 jspTag
+HiLink jspDirName	 htmlTagName
+HiLink jspDirArg	 htmlArg
+HiLink jspCommand	 jspTag
+HiLink jspCommandName  htmlTagName
+HiLink jspCommandArg	 htmlArg
+delcommand HiLink
 
 if main_syntax == 'jsp'
   unlet main_syntax
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/kix.vim b/runtime/syntax/kix.vim
index 800e286042..cbc837c4d1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/kix.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/kix.vim
@@ -19,10 +19,8 @@
 "	Work out how to error too many "(", i.e. (() should be an error.
 "	Similarly, "if" without "endif" and similar constructs should error.
 
-" Clear legacy syntax rules for version 5.x, exit if already processed for version 6+
-if version < 600
-	syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -130,52 +128,44 @@ syn match   kixExpression	"<\|>\|<=\|>=\|<>"
 
 
 " Default highlighting.
-" Version < 5.8 set default highlight if file not already processed.
-" Version >= 5.8 set default highlight only if it doesn't already have a value.
-if version > 508 || !exists("did_kix_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_kix_syn_inits=1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Set default highlight only if it doesn't already have a value.
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink kixDoubleString		String
-	HiLink kixSingleString		String
-	HiLink kixStatement		Statement
-	HiLink kixRepeat		Repeat
-	HiLink kixComment		Comment
-	HiLink kixBuiltin		Function
-	HiLink kixLocalVar		Special
-	HiLink kixMacro			Special
-	HiLink kixEnvVar		Special
-	HiLink kixLabel			Type
-	HiLink kixFunction		Function
-	HiLink kixInteger		Number
-	HiLink kixHex			Number
-	HiLink kixFloat			Number
-	HiLink kixOperator		Operator
-	HiLink kixExpression		Operator
+HiLink kixDoubleString		String
+HiLink kixSingleString		String
+HiLink kixStatement		Statement
+HiLink kixRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink kixComment		Comment
+HiLink kixBuiltin		Function
+HiLink kixLocalVar		Special
+HiLink kixMacro			Special
+HiLink kixEnvVar		Special
+HiLink kixLabel			Type
+HiLink kixFunction		Function
+HiLink kixInteger		Number
+HiLink kixHex			Number
+HiLink kixFloat			Number
+HiLink kixOperator		Operator
+HiLink kixExpression		Operator
 
-	HiLink kixParenCloseError	Error
-	HiLink kixBrackCloseError	Error
-	HiLink kixStringError		Error
+HiLink kixParenCloseError	Error
+HiLink kixBrackCloseError	Error
+HiLink kixStringError		Error
 
-	HiLink kixWhileError		Error
-	HiLink kixWhileOK		Conditional
-	HiLink kixDoError		Error
-	HiLink kixDoOK			Conditional
-	HiLink kixIfError		Error
-	HiLink kixIfOK			Conditional
-	HiLink kixSelectError		Error
-	HiLink kixSelectOK		Conditional
-	HiLink kixForNextError		Error
-	HiLink kixForNextOK		Conditional
-	HiLink kixForEachError		Error
-	HiLink kixForEachOK		Conditional
+HiLink kixWhileError		Error
+HiLink kixWhileOK		Conditional
+HiLink kixDoError		Error
+HiLink kixDoOK			Conditional
+HiLink kixIfError		Error
+HiLink kixIfOK			Conditional
+HiLink kixSelectError		Error
+HiLink kixSelectOK		Conditional
+HiLink kixForNextError		Error
+HiLink kixForNextOK		Conditional
+HiLink kixForEachError		Error
+HiLink kixForEachOK		Conditional
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "kix"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/kscript.vim b/runtime/syntax/kscript.vim
index cefbe39a29..e06b49d880 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/kscript.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/kscript.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://aquila.rezel.enst.fr/thomas/vim/kscript.vim
 " CVS:		$Id: kscript.vim,v 1.1 2004/06/13 17:40:02 vimboss Exp $
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -37,33 +34,25 @@ syn region	kscriptString		start=+"""+  end=+"""+
 syn region	kscriptString		start=+'''+  end=+'''+
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_kscript_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_kscript_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink kscriptConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink kscriptRepeat			Repeat
-  HiLink kscriptExceptions		Statement
-  HiLink kscriptFunction		Function
-  HiLink kscriptConst			Constant
-  HiLink kscriptStatement		Statement
-  HiLink kscriptLabel			Label
-  HiLink kscriptStorageClass		StorageClass
-  HiLink kscriptType			Type
-  HiLink kscriptTodo			Todo
-  HiLink kscriptComment		Comment
-  HiLink kscriptString			String
-  HiLink kscriptPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink kscriptHardCoded		Statement
+HiLink kscriptConditional		Conditional
+HiLink kscriptRepeat			Repeat
+HiLink kscriptExceptions		Statement
+HiLink kscriptFunction		Function
+HiLink kscriptConst			Constant
+HiLink kscriptStatement		Statement
+HiLink kscriptLabel			Label
+HiLink kscriptStorageClass		StorageClass
+HiLink kscriptType			Type
+HiLink kscriptTodo			Todo
+HiLink kscriptComment		Comment
+HiLink kscriptString			String
+HiLink kscriptPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink kscriptHardCoded		Statement
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "kscript"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/kwt.vim b/runtime/syntax/kwt.vim
index 4c2c9d9dc0..b711663c46 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/kwt.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/kwt.vim
@@ -3,21 +3,14 @@
 " Maintainer:	Michael Piefel <entwurf@piefel.de>
 " Last Change:	2 May 2001
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C++ syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/cpp.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " kimwitu++ extentions
 
@@ -58,27 +51,19 @@ syn region kwtUnpBody		transparent keepend extend fold start="->\s*\[" start="^\
 syn region kwtRewBody		transparent keepend extend fold start="->\s*<" start="^\s*<" end="\s>\s\=;\=$" end="^>\s\=;\=$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_kwt_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_kwt_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink kwtStatement	cppStatement
-    HiLink kwtDecl	cppStatement
-    HiLink kwtCast	cppStatement
-    HiLink kwtSep	Delimiter
-    HiLink kwtViews	Label
-    HiLink kwtPhylum	Type
-    HiLink kwtOption	PreProc
-    "HiLink cText	Comment
+HiLink kwtStatement	cppStatement
+HiLink kwtDecl	cppStatement
+HiLink kwtCast	cppStatement
+HiLink kwtSep	Delimiter
+HiLink kwtViews	Label
+HiLink kwtPhylum	Type
+HiLink kwtOption	PreProc
+"HiLink cText	Comment
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 syn sync lines=300
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lace.vim b/runtime/syntax/lace.vim
index 9e64eea7d1..dbdaf8bec8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lace.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lace.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " it to the maintainer at <utilities@eiffel.com>
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -85,50 +82,42 @@ syn region laceParen		transparent start="(" end=")" contains=ALLBUT,laceParenErr
 syn sync lines=40
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lace_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lace_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink laceTopStruct			PreProc
+HiLink laceTopStruct			PreProc
 
-  HiLink laceOptionClause		Statement
-  HiLink laceOptionMark			Constant
-  HiLink laceClusterProp		Label
-  HiLink laceAdaptClassName		Label
-  HiLink laceExternal			Statement
-  HiLink laceCluster			ModeMsg
+HiLink laceOptionClause		Statement
+HiLink laceOptionMark			Constant
+HiLink laceClusterProp		Label
+HiLink laceAdaptClassName		Label
+HiLink laceExternal			Statement
+HiLink laceCluster			ModeMsg
 
-  HiLink laceEscape				Special
+HiLink laceEscape				Special
 
-  HiLink laceBool				Boolean
-  HiLink laceString				String
-  HiLink laceCharacter			Character
-  HiLink laceClassName			Type
-  HiLink laceNumber				Number
+HiLink laceBool				Boolean
+HiLink laceString				String
+HiLink laceCharacter			Character
+HiLink laceClassName			Type
+HiLink laceNumber				Number
 
-  HiLink laceOperator			Special
-  HiLink laceArray				Special
-  HiLink laceExport				Special
-  HiLink laceCreation			Special
-  HiLink laceBrackets			Special
-  HiLink laceConstraint			Special
+HiLink laceOperator			Special
+HiLink laceArray				Special
+HiLink laceExport				Special
+HiLink laceCreation			Special
+HiLink laceBrackets			Special
+HiLink laceConstraint			Special
 
-  HiLink laceComment			Comment
+HiLink laceComment			Comment
 
-  HiLink laceError				Error
-  HiLink laceStringError		Error
-  HiLink laceParenError			Error
-  HiLink laceBracketError		Error
-  HiLink laceTodo				Todo
+HiLink laceError				Error
+HiLink laceStringError		Error
+HiLink laceParenError			Error
+HiLink laceBracketError		Error
+HiLink laceTodo				Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lace"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/latte.vim b/runtime/syntax/latte.vim
index e2a8729f3f..f95c7b5c73 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/latte.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/latte.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " I based this on the TeX and Scheme syntax files (but mostly scheme).
 " See http://www.latte.org for info on the language.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -20,11 +17,7 @@ syn match latteOther "\\{"
 syn match latteOther "\\}"
 syn match latteOther "\\\\"
 
-if version < 600
-  set iskeyword=33,43,45,48-57,63,65-90,95,97-122,_
-else
-  setlocal iskeyword=33,43,45,48-57,63,65-90,95,97-122,_
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=33,43,45,48-57,63,65-90,95,97-122,_
 
 syn region latteVar matchgroup=SpecialChar start=!\\[A-Za-z_]!rs=s+1 end=![^A-Za-z0-9?!+_-]!me=e-1 contains=ALLBUT,latteNumber,latteOther
 syn region latteVar matchgroup=SpecialChar start=!\\[=\&][A-Za-z_]!rs=s+2 end=![^A-Za-z0-9?!+_-]!me=e-1 contains=ALLBUT,latteNumber,latteOther
@@ -70,29 +63,21 @@ syn sync match matchPlace grouphere NONE "^[^ \t]"
 " ... i.e. synchronize on a line that starts at the left margin
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_latte_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_latte_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink latteSyntax		Statement
-  HiLink latteVar			Function
+HiLink latteSyntax		Statement
+HiLink latteVar			Function
 
-  HiLink latteString		String
-  HiLink latteQuote			String
+HiLink latteString		String
+HiLink latteQuote			String
 
-  HiLink latteDelimiter		Delimiter
-  HiLink latteOperator		Operator
+HiLink latteDelimiter		Delimiter
+HiLink latteOperator		Operator
 
-  HiLink latteComment		Comment
-  HiLink latteError			Error
+HiLink latteComment		Comment
+HiLink latteError			Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "latte"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ldif.vim b/runtime/syntax/ldif.vim
index 9f67b57f51..704a590ec5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ldif.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ldif.vim
@@ -3,9 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Zak Johnson <zakj@nox.cx>
 " Last Change:	2003-12-30
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -21,23 +20,16 @@ syn region ldifFileValue   matchgroup=ldifPunctuation start=/:< / end=/\_$/ skip
 
 syn region ldifComment start=/^#/ end=/\_$/ skip=/\n /
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ldif_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ldif_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink ldifAttribute		Type
-  HiLink ldifOption		Identifier
-  HiLink ldifPunctuation	Normal
-  HiLink ldifStringValue	String
-  HiLink ldifBase64Value	Special
-  HiLink ldifFileValue		Special
-  HiLink ldifComment		Comment
+HiLink ldifAttribute		Type
+HiLink ldifOption		Identifier
+HiLink ldifPunctuation	Normal
+HiLink ldifStringValue	String
+HiLink ldifBase64Value	Special
+HiLink ldifFileValue		Special
+HiLink ldifComment		Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ldif"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lex.vim b/runtime/syntax/lex.vim
index b7aff34d6b..83eb212f2f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lex.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lex.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " Option:
 "   lex_uses_cpp : if this variable exists, then C++ is loaded rather than C
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lhaskell.vim b/runtime/syntax/lhaskell.vim
index 077549a0c8..78207812f0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lhaskell.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lhaskell.vim
@@ -36,11 +36,8 @@
 "
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -84,15 +81,10 @@ endif
 
 " If user wants us to highlight TeX syntax or guess thinks it's TeX, read it.
 if b:lhs_markup == "tex"
-    if version < 600
-	source <sfile>:p:h/tex.vim
-	set isk+=_
-    else
-	runtime! syntax/tex.vim
-	unlet b:current_syntax
-	" Tex.vim removes "_" from 'iskeyword', but we need it for Haskell.
-	setlocal isk+=_
-    endif
+    runtime! syntax/tex.vim
+    unlet b:current_syntax
+    " Tex.vim removes "_" from 'iskeyword', but we need it for Haskell.
+    setlocal isk+=_
     syntax cluster lhsTeXContainer contains=tex.*Zone,texAbstract
 else
     syntax cluster lhsTeXContainer contains=.*
@@ -100,11 +92,7 @@ endif
 
 " Literate Haskell is Haskell in between text, so at least read Haskell
 " highlighting
-if version < 600
-    syntax include @haskellTop <sfile>:p:h/haskell.vim
-else
-    syntax include @haskellTop syntax/haskell.vim
-endif
+syntax include @haskellTop syntax/haskell.vim
 
 syntax region lhsHaskellBirdTrack start="^>" end="\%(^[^>]\)\@=" contains=@haskellTop,lhsBirdTrack containedin=@lhsTeXContainer
 syntax region lhsHaskellBeginEndBlock start="^\\begin{code}\s*$" matchgroup=NONE end="\%(^\\end{code}.*$\)\@=" contains=@haskellTop,beginCodeBegin containedin=@lhsTeXContainer
@@ -115,23 +103,15 @@ syntax match beginCodeBegin "^\\begin" nextgroup=beginCodeCode contained
 syntax region beginCodeCode  matchgroup=texDelimiter start="{" end="}"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tex_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tex_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink lhsBirdTrack Comment
+HiLink lhsBirdTrack Comment
 
-  HiLink beginCodeBegin	      texCmdName
-  HiLink beginCodeCode	      texSection
+HiLink beginCodeBegin	      texCmdName
+HiLink beginCodeCode	      texSection
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 " Restore cursor to original position, as it may have been disturbed
 " by the searches in our guessing code
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lifelines.vim b/runtime/syntax/lifelines.vim
index f8bea015bd..041c50963d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lifelines.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lifelines.vim
@@ -11,9 +11,8 @@
 " For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
 " For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -110,9 +109,7 @@ syn match	lifelinesNumber	"-\=\<\d\+\.\d*\>"
 syn match	lifelinesNumber	"-\=\.\d\+\>"
 
 " folding using {}
-if version >= 600
-	syn region lifelinesFoldBlock	start="{" end="}" transparent fold
-endif
+syn region lifelinesFoldBlock	start="{" end="}" transparent fold
 
 "catch errors caused by wrong parenthesis
 "adapted from original c.vim written by Bram Moolenaar
@@ -123,44 +120,36 @@ syn match	lifelinesParenError	")"
 syn match	lifelinesErrInParen	contained "[{}]"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lifelines_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lifelines_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink lifelinesConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink lifelinesArithm	Operator
-  HiLink lifelinesLogical	Conditional
-  HiLink lifelinesInclude	Include
-  HiLink lifelinesComment	Comment
-  HiLink lifelinesStatement	Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesUser		Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesFunct		Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesTable		Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesGedcom	Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesList		Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink lifelinesFam		Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesIndi		Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesProc		Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesDef		Statement
-  HiLink lifelinesString	String
-  HiLink lifelinesSpecial	Special
-  HiLink lifelinesNumber	Number
-  HiLink lifelinesParenError	Error
-  HiLink lifelinesErrInParen	Error
-  HiLink lifelinesError		Error
-  HiLink lifelinesTodo		Todo
-  HiLink lifelinesDecl		PreProc
+HiLink lifelinesConditional	Conditional
+HiLink lifelinesArithm	Operator
+HiLink lifelinesLogical	Conditional
+HiLink lifelinesInclude	Include
+HiLink lifelinesComment	Comment
+HiLink lifelinesStatement	Statement
+HiLink lifelinesUser		Statement
+HiLink lifelinesFunct		Statement
+HiLink lifelinesTable		Statement
+HiLink lifelinesGedcom	Statement
+HiLink lifelinesList		Statement
+HiLink lifelinesRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink lifelinesFam		Statement
+HiLink lifelinesIndi		Statement
+HiLink lifelinesProc		Statement
+HiLink lifelinesDef		Statement
+HiLink lifelinesString	String
+HiLink lifelinesSpecial	Special
+HiLink lifelinesNumber	Number
+HiLink lifelinesParenError	Error
+HiLink lifelinesErrInParen	Error
+HiLink lifelinesError		Error
+HiLink lifelinesTodo		Todo
+HiLink lifelinesDecl		PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lifelines"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lilo.vim b/runtime/syntax/lilo.vim
index 3e9459267b..f58e34061c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lilo.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lilo.vim
@@ -5,21 +5,12 @@
 " Last Change: 2010-02-03
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-  if exists("b:current_syntax")
-    finish
-  endif
-else
-  syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+  finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-  command -nargs=1 SetIsk setlocal iskeyword=<args>
-else
-  command -nargs=1 SetIsk set iskeyword=<args>
-endif
-SetIsk @,48-57,.,-,_
-delcommand SetIsk
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,.,-,_
 
 syn case ignore
 
@@ -128,65 +119,58 @@ syn match liloDecNumberPListComment "#.*$" contained nextgroup=liloDecNumberPLis
 syn match liloAnythingComment "#.*$" contained nextgroup=liloAnything,liloAnythingComment,liloError skipwhite skipempty
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lilo_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lilo_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink liloEqPath             liloEquals
-  HiLink liloEqWord             liloEquals
-  HiLink liloEqVga              liloEquals
-  HiLink liloEqDecNumber        liloEquals
-  HiLink liloEqHexNumber        liloEquals
-  HiLink liloEqNumber           liloEquals
-  HiLink liloEqString           liloEquals
-  HiLink liloEqAnything         liloEquals
-  HiLink liloEquals             Special
+HiLink liloEqPath             liloEquals
+HiLink liloEqWord             liloEquals
+HiLink liloEqVga              liloEquals
+HiLink liloEqDecNumber        liloEquals
+HiLink liloEqHexNumber        liloEquals
+HiLink liloEqNumber           liloEquals
+HiLink liloEqString           liloEquals
+HiLink liloEqAnything         liloEquals
+HiLink liloEquals             Special
 
-  HiLink liloError              Error
+HiLink liloError              Error
 
-  HiLink liloEqPathComment      liloComment
-  HiLink liloEqVgaComment       liloComment
-  HiLink liloEqDecNumberComment liloComment
-  HiLink liloEqHexNumberComment liloComment
-  HiLink liloEqStringComment    liloComment
-  HiLink liloEqAnythingComment  liloComment
-  HiLink liloPathComment        liloComment
-  HiLink liloVgaComment         liloComment
-  HiLink liloDecNumberComment   liloComment
-  HiLink liloHexNumberComment   liloComment
-  HiLink liloNumberComment      liloComment
-  HiLink liloStringComment      liloComment
-  HiLink liloAnythingComment    liloComment
-  HiLink liloComment            Comment
+HiLink liloEqPathComment      liloComment
+HiLink liloEqVgaComment       liloComment
+HiLink liloEqDecNumberComment liloComment
+HiLink liloEqHexNumberComment liloComment
+HiLink liloEqStringComment    liloComment
+HiLink liloEqAnythingComment  liloComment
+HiLink liloPathComment        liloComment
+HiLink liloVgaComment         liloComment
+HiLink liloDecNumberComment   liloComment
+HiLink liloHexNumberComment   liloComment
+HiLink liloNumberComment      liloComment
+HiLink liloStringComment      liloComment
+HiLink liloAnythingComment    liloComment
+HiLink liloComment            Comment
 
-  HiLink liloDiskOpt            liloOption
-  HiLink liloKernelOpt          liloOption
-  HiLink liloImageOpt           liloOption
-  HiLink liloOption             Keyword
+HiLink liloDiskOpt            liloOption
+HiLink liloKernelOpt          liloOption
+HiLink liloImageOpt           liloOption
+HiLink liloOption             Keyword
 
-  HiLink liloDecNumber          liloNumber
-  HiLink liloHexNumber          liloNumber
-  HiLink liloDecNumberP         liloNumber
-  HiLink liloNumber             Number
-  HiLink liloString             String
-  HiLink liloPath               Constant
+HiLink liloDecNumber          liloNumber
+HiLink liloHexNumber          liloNumber
+HiLink liloDecNumberP         liloNumber
+HiLink liloNumber             Number
+HiLink liloString             String
+HiLink liloPath               Constant
 
-  HiLink liloSpecial            Special
-  HiLink liloLabel              Title
-  HiLink liloDecNumberList      Special
-  HiLink liloDecNumberPList     Special
-  HiLink liloAnything           Normal
-  HiLink liloEnviron            Identifier
-  HiLink liloVgaKeyword         Identifier
-  HiLink liloImage              Type
-  HiLink liloChRules            Preproc
-  HiLink liloDisk               Preproc
+HiLink liloSpecial            Special
+HiLink liloLabel              Title
+HiLink liloDecNumberList      Special
+HiLink liloDecNumberPList     Special
+HiLink liloAnything           Normal
+HiLink liloEnviron            Identifier
+HiLink liloVgaKeyword         Identifier
+HiLink liloImage              Type
+HiLink liloChRules            Preproc
+HiLink liloDisk               Preproc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lilo"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lisp.vim b/runtime/syntax/lisp.vim
index a402452389..f555070032 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lisp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lisp.vim
@@ -561,61 +561,58 @@ syn sync lines=100
 
 " ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 " Define Highlighting: {{{1
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508
-  command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink lispCommentRegion	lispComment
-  HiLink lispAtomNmbr		lispNumber
-  HiLink lispAtomMark		lispMark
-  HiLink lispInStringString	lispString
+HiLink lispCommentRegion	lispComment
+HiLink lispAtomNmbr		lispNumber
+HiLink lispAtomMark		lispMark
+HiLink lispInStringString	lispString
 
-  HiLink lispAtom		Identifier
-  HiLink lispAtomBarSymbol	Special
-  HiLink lispBarSymbol		Special
-  HiLink lispComment		Comment
-  HiLink lispConcat		Statement
-  HiLink lispDecl		Statement
-  HiLink lispFunc		Statement
-  HiLink lispKey		Type
-  HiLink lispMark		Delimiter
-  HiLink lispNumber		Number
-  HiLink lispParenError		Error
-  HiLink lispEscapeSpecial	Type
-  HiLink lispString		String
-  HiLink lispTodo		Todo
-  HiLink lispVar		Statement
+HiLink lispAtom		Identifier
+HiLink lispAtomBarSymbol	Special
+HiLink lispBarSymbol		Special
+HiLink lispComment		Comment
+HiLink lispConcat		Statement
+HiLink lispDecl		Statement
+HiLink lispFunc		Statement
+HiLink lispKey		Type
+HiLink lispMark		Delimiter
+HiLink lispNumber		Number
+HiLink lispParenError		Error
+HiLink lispEscapeSpecial	Type
+HiLink lispString		String
+HiLink lispTodo		Todo
+HiLink lispVar		Statement
 
-  if exists("g:lisp_rainbow") && g:lisp_rainbow != 0
-   if &bg == "dark"
-    hi def hlLevel0 ctermfg=red         guifg=red1
-    hi def hlLevel1 ctermfg=yellow      guifg=orange1
-    hi def hlLevel2 ctermfg=green       guifg=yellow1
-    hi def hlLevel3 ctermfg=cyan        guifg=greenyellow
-    hi def hlLevel4 ctermfg=magenta     guifg=green1
-    hi def hlLevel5 ctermfg=red         guifg=springgreen1
-    hi def hlLevel6 ctermfg=yellow      guifg=cyan1
-    hi def hlLevel7 ctermfg=green       guifg=slateblue1
-    hi def hlLevel8 ctermfg=cyan        guifg=magenta1
-    hi def hlLevel9 ctermfg=magenta     guifg=purple1
-   else
-    hi def hlLevel0 ctermfg=red         guifg=red3
-    hi def hlLevel1 ctermfg=darkyellow  guifg=orangered3
-    hi def hlLevel2 ctermfg=darkgreen   guifg=orange2
-    hi def hlLevel3 ctermfg=blue        guifg=yellow3
-    hi def hlLevel4 ctermfg=darkmagenta guifg=olivedrab4
-    hi def hlLevel5 ctermfg=red         guifg=green4
-    hi def hlLevel6 ctermfg=darkyellow  guifg=paleturquoise3
-    hi def hlLevel7 ctermfg=darkgreen   guifg=deepskyblue4
-    hi def hlLevel8 ctermfg=blue        guifg=darkslateblue
-    hi def hlLevel9 ctermfg=darkmagenta guifg=darkviolet
-   endif
-  endif
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+if exists("g:lisp_rainbow") && g:lisp_rainbow != 0
+ if &bg == "dark"
+  hi def hlLevel0 ctermfg=red         guifg=red1
+  hi def hlLevel1 ctermfg=yellow      guifg=orange1
+  hi def hlLevel2 ctermfg=green       guifg=yellow1
+  hi def hlLevel3 ctermfg=cyan        guifg=greenyellow
+  hi def hlLevel4 ctermfg=magenta     guifg=green1
+  hi def hlLevel5 ctermfg=red         guifg=springgreen1
+  hi def hlLevel6 ctermfg=yellow      guifg=cyan1
+  hi def hlLevel7 ctermfg=green       guifg=slateblue1
+  hi def hlLevel8 ctermfg=cyan        guifg=magenta1
+  hi def hlLevel9 ctermfg=magenta     guifg=purple1
+ else
+  hi def hlLevel0 ctermfg=red         guifg=red3
+  hi def hlLevel1 ctermfg=darkyellow  guifg=orangered3
+  hi def hlLevel2 ctermfg=darkgreen   guifg=orange2
+  hi def hlLevel3 ctermfg=blue        guifg=yellow3
+  hi def hlLevel4 ctermfg=darkmagenta guifg=olivedrab4
+  hi def hlLevel5 ctermfg=red         guifg=green4
+  hi def hlLevel6 ctermfg=darkyellow  guifg=paleturquoise3
+  hi def hlLevel7 ctermfg=darkgreen   guifg=deepskyblue4
+  hi def hlLevel8 ctermfg=blue        guifg=darkslateblue
+  hi def hlLevel9 ctermfg=darkmagenta guifg=darkviolet
+ endif
 endif
 
+delcommand HiLink
+
 let b:current_syntax = "lisp"
 
 " ---------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lite.vim b/runtime/syntax/lite.vim
index 8abc51dea1..1a76e6c7f5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lite.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lite.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " Options	lite_sql_query = 1 for SQL syntax highligthing inside strings
 "		lite_minlines = x     to sync at least x lines backwards
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -138,39 +135,31 @@ if main_syntax == 'lite'
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lite_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lite_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink liteComment		Comment
-  HiLink liteString		String
-  HiLink liteNumber		Number
-  HiLink liteFloat		Float
-  HiLink liteIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink liteGlobalIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink liteIntVar		Identifier
-  HiLink liteFunctions		Function
-  HiLink liteRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink liteConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink liteStatement		Statement
-  HiLink liteType		Type
-  HiLink liteInclude		Include
-  HiLink liteDefine		Define
-  HiLink liteSpecialChar	SpecialChar
-  HiLink liteParentError	liteError
-  HiLink liteError		Error
-  HiLink liteTodo		Todo
-  HiLink liteOperator		Operator
-  HiLink liteRelation		Operator
+HiLink liteComment		Comment
+HiLink liteString		String
+HiLink liteNumber		Number
+HiLink liteFloat		Float
+HiLink liteIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink liteGlobalIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink liteIntVar		Identifier
+HiLink liteFunctions		Function
+HiLink liteRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink liteConditional	Conditional
+HiLink liteStatement		Statement
+HiLink liteType		Type
+HiLink liteInclude		Include
+HiLink liteDefine		Define
+HiLink liteSpecialChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink liteParentError	liteError
+HiLink liteError		Error
+HiLink liteTodo		Todo
+HiLink liteOperator		Operator
+HiLink liteRelation		Operator
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lite"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/logtalk.vim b/runtime/syntax/logtalk.vim
index be34c7ed74..e4decf2ef9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/logtalk.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/logtalk.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Last Change:	February 4, 2012
 
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded:
-
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -389,59 +386,49 @@ syn sync ccomment logtalkBlockComment maxlines=50
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_logtalk_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_logtalk_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+HiLink	logtalkBlockComment	Comment
+HiLink	logtalkLineComment	Comment
 
-	HiLink	logtalkBlockComment	Comment
-	HiLink	logtalkLineComment	Comment
+HiLink	logtalkOpenEntityDir	Normal
+HiLink	logtalkOpenEntityDirTag	PreProc
 
-	HiLink	logtalkOpenEntityDir	Normal
-	HiLink	logtalkOpenEntityDirTag	PreProc
+HiLink	logtalkIfContainer	PreProc
+HiLink	logtalkIf		PreProc
+HiLink	logtalkElseIf		PreProc
+HiLink	logtalkElse		PreProc
 
-	HiLink	logtalkIfContainer	PreProc
-	HiLink	logtalkIf		PreProc
-	HiLink	logtalkElseIf		PreProc
-	HiLink	logtalkElse		PreProc
+HiLink	logtalkEntity		Normal
 
-	HiLink	logtalkEntity		Normal
+HiLink	logtalkEntityRel	Normal
+HiLink	logtalkEntityRelTag	PreProc
 
-	HiLink	logtalkEntityRel	Normal
-	HiLink	logtalkEntityRelTag	PreProc
+HiLink	logtalkCloseEntityDir	PreProc
 
-	HiLink	logtalkCloseEntityDir	PreProc
+HiLink	logtalkDir		Normal
+HiLink	logtalkDirTag		PreProc
 
-	HiLink	logtalkDir		Normal
-	HiLink	logtalkDirTag		PreProc
+HiLink	logtalkAtom		String
+HiLink	logtalkString		String
+HiLink	logtalkEscapeSequence	SpecialChar
 
-	HiLink	logtalkAtom		String
-	HiLink	logtalkString		String
-	HiLink	logtalkEscapeSequence	SpecialChar
+HiLink	logtalkNumber		Number
 
-	HiLink	logtalkNumber		Number
+HiLink	logtalkKeyword		Keyword
 
-	HiLink	logtalkKeyword		Keyword
+HiLink	logtalkBuiltIn		Keyword
+HiLink	logtalkBuiltInMethod	Keyword
 
-	HiLink	logtalkBuiltIn		Keyword
-	HiLink	logtalkBuiltInMethod	Keyword
+HiLink	logtalkOperator		Operator
 
-	HiLink	logtalkOperator		Operator
+HiLink	logtalkExtCall		Normal
+HiLink	logtalkExtCallTag	Operator
 
-	HiLink	logtalkExtCall		Normal
-	HiLink	logtalkExtCallTag	Operator
+HiLink	logtalkVariable		Identifier
 
-	HiLink	logtalkVariable		Identifier
-
-	delcommand HiLink
-
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "logtalk"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lotos.vim b/runtime/syntax/lotos.vim
index 3cd83c4d86..e617bdb086 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lotos.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lotos.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " I'm not sure I understand all of the syntax highlight language,
 " but this file seems to do the job for standard LOTOS.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -56,26 +53,18 @@ syn keyword lotosType   using
 syn sync lines=250
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lotos_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lotos_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink lotosStatement		Statement
-  HiLink lotosProcess		Label
-  HiLink lotosOperator		Operator
-  HiLink lotosSort		Function
-  HiLink lotosType		Type
-  HiLink lotosComment		Comment
-  HiLink lotosDelimiter		String
+HiLink lotosStatement		Statement
+HiLink lotosProcess		Label
+HiLink lotosOperator		Operator
+HiLink lotosSort		Function
+HiLink lotosType		Type
+HiLink lotosComment		Comment
+HiLink lotosDelimiter		String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lotos"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lout.vim b/runtime/syntax/lout.vim
index 9a34328ac3..e7a1e15627 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lout.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lout.vim
@@ -16,11 +16,8 @@
 " See the discussion at http://thread.gmane.org/gmane.editors.vim.devel/32151
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -36,11 +33,7 @@ syn sync lines=1000
 
 " Characters allowed in keywords
 " I don't know if 128-255 are allowed in ANS-FORHT
-if version >= 600
-	setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,.,@-@,_,192-255
-else
-	set iskeyword=@,48-57,.,@-@,_,192-255
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,.,@-@,_,192-255
 
 " Some special keywords
 syn keyword loutTodo contained TODO lout Lout LOUT
@@ -106,44 +99,36 @@ syn region loutBoldItalic matchgroup=loutBIBraces start='@BI\s*{' matchgroup=lou
 syn region loutHeadings matchgroup=loutHeads start='@\(\(Title\)\|\(Caption\)\)\s*{' matchgroup=loutHeads end='}' contains=ALLBUT,loutBraceError
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lout_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_lout_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overrriden later.
-	HiLink loutTodo Todo
-	HiLink loutDefine Define
-	HiLink loutEOmlDef Define
-	HiLink loutFunction Function
-	HiLink loutBraceError Error
-	HiLink loutNULL Special
-	HiLink loutComment Comment
-	HiLink loutSpecial Special
-	HiLink loutSymbols Character
-	HiLink loutInclude Include
-	HiLink loutKeyword Keyword
-	HiLink loutTag Tag
-	HiLink loutMath Number
+" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overrriden later.
+HiLink loutTodo Todo
+HiLink loutDefine Define
+HiLink loutEOmlDef Define
+HiLink loutFunction Function
+HiLink loutBraceError Error
+HiLink loutNULL Special
+HiLink loutComment Comment
+HiLink loutSpecial Special
+HiLink loutSymbols Character
+HiLink loutInclude Include
+HiLink loutKeyword Keyword
+HiLink loutTag Tag
+HiLink loutMath Number
 
-	" HiLink Not really needed here, but I think it is more consistent.
-	HiLink loutMBraces loutMath
-	hi loutItalic term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
-	HiLink loutIBraces loutItalic
-	hi loutBold term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
-	HiLink loutBBraces loutBold
-	hi loutBoldItalic term=bold,italic cterm=bold,italic gui=bold,italic
-	HiLink loutBIBraces loutBoldItalic
-	hi loutHeadings term=bold cterm=bold guifg=indianred
-	HiLink loutHeads loutHeadings
+" HiLink Not really needed here, but I think it is more consistent.
+HiLink loutMBraces loutMath
+hi loutItalic term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
+HiLink loutIBraces loutItalic
+hi loutBold term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
+HiLink loutBBraces loutBold
+hi loutBoldItalic term=bold,italic cterm=bold,italic gui=bold,italic
+HiLink loutBIBraces loutBoldItalic
+hi loutHeadings term=bold cterm=bold guifg=indianred
+HiLink loutHeads loutHeadings
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lout"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lpc.vim b/runtime/syntax/lpc.vim
index e948f3d70c..45aba92159 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lpc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lpc.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 
 " Nodule: This is the start nodule. {{{1
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -360,94 +357,86 @@ endif
 " Nodule: Highlight links {{{1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lpc_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lpc_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink lpcModifier		lpcStorageClass
+HiLink lpcModifier		lpcStorageClass
 
-  HiLink lpcQuotedFmt		lpcFormat
-  HiLink lpcFormat		lpcSpecial
-  HiLink lpcCppString		lpcString	" Cpp means
-						" C Pre-Processor
-  HiLink lpcCommentL		lpcComment
-  HiLink lpcCommentStart	lpcComment
-  HiLink lpcUserLabel		lpcLabel
-  HiLink lpcSpecialCharacter	lpcSpecial
-  HiLink lpcOctal		lpcPreProc
-  HiLink lpcOctalZero		lpcSpecial  " LPC will treat octal numbers
-					    " as decimals, programmers should
-					    " be aware of that.
-  HiLink lpcEfunError		lpcError
-  HiLink lpcKeywdError		lpcError
-  HiLink lpcOctalError		lpcError
-  HiLink lpcParenError		lpcError
-  HiLink lpcErrInParen		lpcError
-  HiLink lpcErrInBracket	lpcError
-  HiLink lpcCommentError	lpcError
-  HiLink lpcCommentStartError	lpcError
-  HiLink lpcSpaceError		lpcError
-  HiLink lpcSpecialError	lpcError
-  HiLink lpcErrFunc		lpcError
+HiLink lpcQuotedFmt		lpcFormat
+HiLink lpcFormat		lpcSpecial
+HiLink lpcCppString		lpcString	" Cpp means
+					      " C Pre-Processor
+HiLink lpcCommentL		lpcComment
+HiLink lpcCommentStart	lpcComment
+HiLink lpcUserLabel		lpcLabel
+HiLink lpcSpecialCharacter	lpcSpecial
+HiLink lpcOctal		lpcPreProc
+HiLink lpcOctalZero		lpcSpecial  " LPC will treat octal numbers
+					  " as decimals, programmers should
+					  " be aware of that.
+HiLink lpcEfunError		lpcError
+HiLink lpcKeywdError		lpcError
+HiLink lpcOctalError		lpcError
+HiLink lpcParenError		lpcError
+HiLink lpcErrInParen		lpcError
+HiLink lpcErrInBracket	lpcError
+HiLink lpcCommentError	lpcError
+HiLink lpcCommentStartError	lpcError
+HiLink lpcSpaceError		lpcError
+HiLink lpcSpecialError	lpcError
+HiLink lpcErrFunc		lpcError
 
-  if exists("lpc_pre_v22")
-      HiLink lpcOldEfuns	lpc_efuns
-      HiLink lpcNewEfuns	lpcError
-  else
-      HiLink lpcOldEfuns	lpcReserved
-      HiLink lpcNewEfuns	lpc_efuns
-  endif
-  HiLink lpc_efuns		lpcFunction
-
-  HiLink lpcReserved		lpcPreProc
-  HiLink lpcTextString		lpcString   " This should be preprocessors, but
-  HiLink lpcArrayString		lpcPreProc  " let's make some difference
-					    " between text and array
-
-  HiLink lpcIncluded		lpcString
-  HiLink lpcCommentString	lpcString
-  HiLink lpcComment2String	lpcString
-  HiLink lpcCommentSkip		lpcComment
-  HiLink lpcCommentFunc		lpcComment
-
-  HiLink lpcCppSkip		lpcCppOut
-  HiLink lpcCppOut2		lpcCppOut
-  HiLink lpcCppOut		lpcComment
-
-  " Standard type below
-  HiLink lpcApplies		Special
-  HiLink lpcCharacter		Character
-  HiLink lpcComment		Comment
-  HiLink lpcConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink lpcConstant		Constant
-  HiLink lpcDefine		Macro
-  HiLink lpcError		Error
-  HiLink lpcFloat		Float
-  HiLink lpcFunction		Function
-  HiLink lpcIdentifier		Identifier
-  HiLink lpcInclude		Include
-  HiLink lpcLabel		Label
-  HiLink lpcNumber		Number
-  HiLink lpcOperator		Operator
-  HiLink lpcPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink lpcPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink lpcRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink lpcStatement		Statement
-  HiLink lpcStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink lpcString		String
-  HiLink lpcStructure		Structure
-  HiLink lpcSpecial		LineNr
-  HiLink lpcTodo		Todo
-  HiLink lpcType		Type
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+if exists("lpc_pre_v22")
+    HiLink lpcOldEfuns	lpc_efuns
+    HiLink lpcNewEfuns	lpcError
+else
+    HiLink lpcOldEfuns	lpcReserved
+    HiLink lpcNewEfuns	lpc_efuns
 endif
+HiLink lpc_efuns		lpcFunction
+
+HiLink lpcReserved		lpcPreProc
+HiLink lpcTextString		lpcString   " This should be preprocessors, but
+HiLink lpcArrayString		lpcPreProc  " let's make some difference
+					  " between text and array
+
+HiLink lpcIncluded		lpcString
+HiLink lpcCommentString	lpcString
+HiLink lpcComment2String	lpcString
+HiLink lpcCommentSkip		lpcComment
+HiLink lpcCommentFunc		lpcComment
+
+HiLink lpcCppSkip		lpcCppOut
+HiLink lpcCppOut2		lpcCppOut
+HiLink lpcCppOut		lpcComment
+
+" Standard type below
+HiLink lpcApplies		Special
+HiLink lpcCharacter		Character
+HiLink lpcComment		Comment
+HiLink lpcConditional		Conditional
+HiLink lpcConstant		Constant
+HiLink lpcDefine		Macro
+HiLink lpcError		Error
+HiLink lpcFloat		Float
+HiLink lpcFunction		Function
+HiLink lpcIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink lpcInclude		Include
+HiLink lpcLabel		Label
+HiLink lpcNumber		Number
+HiLink lpcOperator		Operator
+HiLink lpcPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink lpcPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink lpcRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink lpcStatement		Statement
+HiLink lpcStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink lpcString		String
+HiLink lpcStructure		Structure
+HiLink lpcSpecial		LineNr
+HiLink lpcTodo		Todo
+HiLink lpcType		Type
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
 " Nodule: This is the end nodule. {{{1
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lprolog.vim b/runtime/syntax/lprolog.vim
index 086c00fd5d..1256758049 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lprolog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lprolog.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 "               2001 Apr 26 - Upgraded for new Vim version
 "               2000 Jun  5 - Initial release
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -96,41 +93,33 @@ syn sync maxlines=500
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lprolog_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lprolog_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink lprologComment     Comment
-  HiLink lprologTodo	    Todo
+HiLink lprologComment     Comment
+HiLink lprologTodo	    Todo
 
-  HiLink lprologKeyword     Keyword
-  HiLink lprologSpecial     Special
-  HiLink lprologOperator    Operator
-  HiLink lprologIdentifier  Normal
+HiLink lprologKeyword     Keyword
+HiLink lprologSpecial     Special
+HiLink lprologOperator    Operator
+HiLink lprologIdentifier  Normal
 
-  HiLink lprologInteger     Number
-  HiLink lprologReal	    Number
-  HiLink lprologString	    String
+HiLink lprologInteger     Number
+HiLink lprologReal	    Number
+HiLink lprologString	    String
 
-  HiLink lprologCommentErr  Error
-  HiLink lprologBrackErr    Error
-  HiLink lprologParenErr    Error
+HiLink lprologCommentErr  Error
+HiLink lprologBrackErr    Error
+HiLink lprologParenErr    Error
 
-  HiLink lprologModuleName  Special
-  HiLink lprologTypeName    Identifier
+HiLink lprologModuleName  Special
+HiLink lprologTypeName    Identifier
 
-  HiLink lprologVariable    Keyword
-  HiLink lprologAtom	    Normal
-  HiLink lprologClause	    Type
+HiLink lprologVariable    Keyword
+HiLink lprologAtom	    Normal
+HiLink lprologClause	    Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lprolog"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lscript.vim b/runtime/syntax/lscript.vim
index 648a0ebeab..2dbd33ddba 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lscript.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lscript.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " and b) I'm not so crash hot at LotusScript either. If you see any problems
 " feel free to email me with them.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -179,34 +176,26 @@ syn region  lscriptLineNumber	start="^\d" end="\s"
 syn match   lscriptTypeSpecifier	"[a-zA-Z0-9][\$%&!#]"ms=s+1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lscript_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lscript_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  hi lscriptNotesType	term=underline ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=SeaGreen gui=bold
+hi lscriptNotesType	term=underline ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=SeaGreen gui=bold
 
-  HiLink lscriptNotesConst	lscriptNotesType
-  HiLink lscriptLineNumber	Comment
-  HiLink lscriptDatatype	Type
-  HiLink lscriptNumber		Number
-  HiLink lscriptError		Error
-  HiLink lscriptStatement	Statement
-  HiLink lscriptString		String
-  HiLink lscriptComment		Comment
-  HiLink lscriptTodo		Todo
-  HiLink lscriptFunction	Identifier
-  HiLink lscriptMethods		PreProc
-  HiLink lscriptEvents		Special
-  HiLink lscriptTypeSpecifier	Type
+HiLink lscriptNotesConst	lscriptNotesType
+HiLink lscriptLineNumber	Comment
+HiLink lscriptDatatype	Type
+HiLink lscriptNumber		Number
+HiLink lscriptError		Error
+HiLink lscriptStatement	Statement
+HiLink lscriptString		String
+HiLink lscriptComment		Comment
+HiLink lscriptTodo		Todo
+HiLink lscriptFunction	Identifier
+HiLink lscriptMethods		PreProc
+HiLink lscriptEvents		Special
+HiLink lscriptTypeSpecifier	Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lscript"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lss.vim b/runtime/syntax/lss.vim
index 6620707f92..6ee717bcb4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lss.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lss.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Scott Bigham <dsb@killerbunnies.org>
 " Last Change:	2004 Oct 06
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -70,64 +67,57 @@ syn case match
 syn match lssComment "#.*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lss_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lss_syntax_inits = 1
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+hi def link lssComment Comment
+hi def link lssElement Identifier
 
-  hi def link lssComment Comment
-  hi def link lssElement Identifier
+hi def lssBold		term=bold cterm=bold
+hi def lssReverse		term=reverse cterm=reverse
+hi def lssUnderline		term=underline cterm=underline
+hi def lssStandout		term=standout cterm=standout
 
-  hi def lssBold		term=bold cterm=bold
-  hi def lssReverse		term=reverse cterm=reverse
-  hi def lssUnderline		term=underline cterm=underline
-  hi def lssStandout		term=standout cterm=standout
-
-  hi def lssRedFg		ctermfg=red
-  hi def lssBlueFg		ctermfg=blue
-  hi def lssGreenFg		ctermfg=green
-  hi def lssBrownFg		ctermfg=brown
-  hi def lssMagentaFg		ctermfg=magenta
-  hi def lssCyanFg		ctermfg=cyan
-  hi def lssGrayFg		ctermfg=gray
-  if $COLORTERM == "rxvt"
-    " On rxvt's, bright colors are activated by setting the bold attribute.
-    hi def lssLightgrayFg	ctermfg=gray cterm=bold
-    hi def lssBrightredFg	ctermfg=red cterm=bold
-    hi def lssBrightgreenFg	ctermfg=green cterm=bold
-    hi def lssYellowFg		ctermfg=yellow cterm=bold
-    hi def lssBrightblueFg	ctermfg=blue cterm=bold
-    hi def lssBrightmagentaFg	ctermfg=magenta cterm=bold
-    hi def lssBrightcyanFg	ctermfg=cyan cterm=bold
-  else
-    hi def lssLightgrayFg	ctermfg=lightgray
-    hi def lssBrightredFg	ctermfg=lightred
-    hi def lssBrightgreenFg	ctermfg=lightgreen
-    hi def lssYellowFg		ctermfg=yellow
-    hi def lssBrightblueFg	ctermfg=lightblue
-    hi def lssBrightmagentaFg	ctermfg=lightmagenta
-    hi def lssBrightcyanFg	ctermfg=lightcyan
-  endif
-
-  hi def lssRedBg		ctermbg=red
-  hi def lssBlueBg		ctermbg=blue
-  hi def lssGreenBg		ctermbg=green
-  hi def lssBrownBg		ctermbg=brown
-  hi def lssMagentaBg		ctermbg=magenta
-  hi def lssCyanBg		ctermbg=cyan
-  hi def lssLightgrayBg		ctermbg=lightgray
-  hi def lssGrayBg		ctermbg=gray
-  hi def lssBrightredBg		ctermbg=lightred
-  hi def lssBrightgreenBg	ctermbg=lightgreen
-  hi def lssYellowBg		ctermbg=yellow
-  hi def lssBrightblueBg	ctermbg=lightblue
-  hi def lssBrightmagentaBg	ctermbg=lightmagenta
-  hi def lssBrightcyanBg	ctermbg=lightcyan
-  hi def lssWhiteBg		ctermbg=white ctermfg=black
+hi def lssRedFg		ctermfg=red
+hi def lssBlueFg		ctermfg=blue
+hi def lssGreenFg		ctermfg=green
+hi def lssBrownFg		ctermfg=brown
+hi def lssMagentaFg		ctermfg=magenta
+hi def lssCyanFg		ctermfg=cyan
+hi def lssGrayFg		ctermfg=gray
+if $COLORTERM == "rxvt"
+  " On rxvt's, bright colors are activated by setting the bold attribute.
+  hi def lssLightgrayFg	ctermfg=gray cterm=bold
+  hi def lssBrightredFg	ctermfg=red cterm=bold
+  hi def lssBrightgreenFg	ctermfg=green cterm=bold
+  hi def lssYellowFg		ctermfg=yellow cterm=bold
+  hi def lssBrightblueFg	ctermfg=blue cterm=bold
+  hi def lssBrightmagentaFg	ctermfg=magenta cterm=bold
+  hi def lssBrightcyanFg	ctermfg=cyan cterm=bold
+else
+  hi def lssLightgrayFg	ctermfg=lightgray
+  hi def lssBrightredFg	ctermfg=lightred
+  hi def lssBrightgreenFg	ctermfg=lightgreen
+  hi def lssYellowFg		ctermfg=yellow
+  hi def lssBrightblueFg	ctermfg=lightblue
+  hi def lssBrightmagentaFg	ctermfg=lightmagenta
+  hi def lssBrightcyanFg	ctermfg=lightcyan
 endif
 
+hi def lssRedBg		ctermbg=red
+hi def lssBlueBg		ctermbg=blue
+hi def lssGreenBg		ctermbg=green
+hi def lssBrownBg		ctermbg=brown
+hi def lssMagentaBg		ctermbg=magenta
+hi def lssCyanBg		ctermbg=cyan
+hi def lssLightgrayBg		ctermbg=lightgray
+hi def lssGrayBg		ctermbg=gray
+hi def lssBrightredBg		ctermbg=lightred
+hi def lssBrightgreenBg	ctermbg=lightgreen
+hi def lssYellowBg		ctermbg=yellow
+hi def lssBrightblueBg	ctermbg=lightblue
+hi def lssBrightmagentaBg	ctermbg=lightmagenta
+hi def lssBrightcyanBg	ctermbg=lightcyan
+hi def lssWhiteBg		ctermbg=white ctermfg=black
+
 let b:current_syntax = "lss"
 
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/lua.vim b/runtime/syntax/lua.vim
index 3ff80b1ebe..5ef771bb75 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/lua.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/lua.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 "		lua_subversion = 0 (4.0, 5.0) or 1 (5.1) or 2 (5.2)
 "		default 5.2
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -325,40 +322,32 @@ elseif lua_version == 5
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_lua_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_lua_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink luaStatement		Statement
-  HiLink luaRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink luaFor			Repeat
-  HiLink luaString		String
-  HiLink luaString2		String
-  HiLink luaNumber		Number
-  HiLink luaOperator		Operator
-  HiLink luaIn			Operator
-  HiLink luaConstant		Constant
-  HiLink luaCond		Conditional
-  HiLink luaElse		Conditional
-  HiLink luaFunction		Function
-  HiLink luaComment		Comment
-  HiLink luaTodo		Todo
-  HiLink luaTable		Structure
-  HiLink luaError		Error
-  HiLink luaParenError		Error
-  HiLink luaBraceError		Error
-  HiLink luaSpecial		SpecialChar
-  HiLink luaFunc		Identifier
-  HiLink luaLabel		Label
+HiLink luaStatement		Statement
+HiLink luaRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink luaFor			Repeat
+HiLink luaString		String
+HiLink luaString2		String
+HiLink luaNumber		Number
+HiLink luaOperator		Operator
+HiLink luaIn			Operator
+HiLink luaConstant		Constant
+HiLink luaCond		Conditional
+HiLink luaElse		Conditional
+HiLink luaFunction		Function
+HiLink luaComment		Comment
+HiLink luaTodo		Todo
+HiLink luaTable		Structure
+HiLink luaError		Error
+HiLink luaParenError		Error
+HiLink luaBraceError		Error
+HiLink luaSpecial		SpecialChar
+HiLink luaFunc		Identifier
+HiLink luaLabel		Label
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "lua"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/m4.vim b/runtime/syntax/m4.vim
index ba7a294d14..8325405261 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/m4.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/m4.vim
@@ -8,15 +8,12 @@
 " capital letters and have at least one argument (i.e. the '('
 " must be there). Let me know if this is a problem.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
-  finish
-endif
-" we define it here so that included files can test for it
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
+	finish
+  endif
+  " we define it here so that included files can test for it
   let main_syntax='m4'
 endif
 
@@ -39,30 +36,22 @@ syn region m4String   start="`" end="'" contained contains=@m4Top,@m4StringConte
 syn cluster m4Top     contains=m4Comment,m4Constants,m4Special,m4Variable,m4String,m4Paren,m4Command,m4Statement,m4Function
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_m4_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_m4_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink m4Delimiter Delimiter
-  HiLink m4Comment   Comment
-  HiLink m4Function  Function
-  HiLink m4Keyword   Keyword
-  HiLink m4Special   Special
-  HiLink m4String    String
-  HiLink m4Statement Statement
-  HiLink m4Preproc   PreProc
-  HiLink m4Type      Type
-  HiLink m4Special   Special
-  HiLink m4Variable  Special
-  HiLink m4Constants Constant
-  HiLink m4Builtin   Statement
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink m4Delimiter Delimiter
+HiLink m4Comment   Comment
+HiLink m4Function  Function
+HiLink m4Keyword   Keyword
+HiLink m4Special   Special
+HiLink m4String    String
+HiLink m4Statement Statement
+HiLink m4Preproc   PreProc
+HiLink m4Type      Type
+HiLink m4Special   Special
+HiLink m4Variable  Special
+HiLink m4Constants Constant
+HiLink m4Builtin   Statement
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "m4"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/make.vim b/runtime/syntax/make.vim
index 35b09341a6..f022a4e9ac 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/make.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/make.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.fleiner.com/vim/syntax/make.vim
 " Last Change:	2015 Feb 28
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -101,40 +98,32 @@ syn sync match makeCommandSync groupthere makeCommands "^[A-Za-z0-9_./$()%-][A-Z
 syn sync match makeCommandSync groupthere makeCommands "^[A-Za-z0-9_./$()%-][A-Za-z0-9_./\t $()%-]*:\{1,2}\s*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_make_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_make_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink makeNextLine		makeSpecial
-  HiLink makeCmdNextLine	makeSpecial
-  HiLink makeSpecTarget		Statement
-  if !exists("make_no_commands")
-    HiLink makeCommands		Number
-  endif
-  HiLink makeImplicit		Function
-  HiLink makeTarget		Function
-  HiLink makeInclude		Include
-  HiLink makePreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink makeStatement		Statement
-  HiLink makeIdent		Identifier
-  HiLink makeSpecial		Special
-  HiLink makeComment		Comment
-  HiLink makeDString		String
-  HiLink makeSString		String
-  HiLink makeBString		Function
-  HiLink makeError		Error
-  HiLink makeTodo		Todo
-  HiLink makeDefine		Define
-  HiLink makeCommandError	Error
-  HiLink makeConfig		PreCondit
-  delcommand HiLink
+HiLink makeNextLine		makeSpecial
+HiLink makeCmdNextLine	makeSpecial
+HiLink makeSpecTarget		Statement
+if !exists("make_no_commands")
+HiLink makeCommands		Number
 endif
+HiLink makeImplicit		Function
+HiLink makeTarget		Function
+HiLink makeInclude		Include
+HiLink makePreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink makeStatement		Statement
+HiLink makeIdent		Identifier
+HiLink makeSpecial		Special
+HiLink makeComment		Comment
+HiLink makeDString		String
+HiLink makeSString		String
+HiLink makeBString		Function
+HiLink makeError		Error
+HiLink makeTodo		Todo
+HiLink makeDefine		Define
+HiLink makeCommandError	Error
+HiLink makeConfig		PreCondit
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "make"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/maple.vim b/runtime/syntax/maple.vim
index 77b1507b36..ad94053b39 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/maple.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/maple.vim
@@ -21,11 +21,8 @@
 " but only the contents of packages of Maple V Release 4, and the top-level
 " routines of Release 4.  <Jacques Carette - carette@mcmaster.ca>
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -551,82 +548,74 @@ endif
 " =====================================================================
 
 " Highlighting: Define the default highlighting. {{{1
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_maplev_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_maplev_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " Maple->Maple Links {{{2
-  HiLink mvBraceError	mvError
-  HiLink mvCurlyError	mvError
-  HiLink mvDebug		mvTodo
-  HiLink mvParenError	mvError
-  HiLink mvPkg_DEtools	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_Galois	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_GaussInt	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_LREtools	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_combinat	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_combstruct	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_difforms	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_finance	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_genfunc	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_geometry	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_grobner	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_group	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_inttrans	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_liesymm	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_linalg	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_logic	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_networks	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_numapprox	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_numtheory	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_orthopoly	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_padic	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_plots	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_plottools	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_powseries	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_process	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_simplex	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_stats	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_student	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_sumtools	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_tensor	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvPkg_totorder	mvPkgFunc
-  HiLink mvRange		mvOper
-  HiLink mvSemiError	mvError
-  HiLink mvDelim		Delimiter
+" Maple->Maple Links {{{2
+HiLink mvBraceError	mvError
+HiLink mvCurlyError	mvError
+HiLink mvDebug		mvTodo
+HiLink mvParenError	mvError
+HiLink mvPkg_DEtools	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_Galois	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_GaussInt	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_LREtools	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_combinat	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_combstruct	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_difforms	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_finance	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_genfunc	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_geometry	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_grobner	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_group	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_inttrans	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_liesymm	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_linalg	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_logic	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_networks	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_numapprox	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_numtheory	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_orthopoly	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_padic	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_plots	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_plottools	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_powseries	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_process	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_simplex	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_stats	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_student	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_sumtools	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_tensor	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvPkg_totorder	mvPkgFunc
+HiLink mvRange		mvOper
+HiLink mvSemiError	mvError
+HiLink mvDelim		Delimiter
 
-  " Maple->Standard Links {{{2
-  HiLink mvAssign		Delimiter
-  HiLink mvBool		Boolean
-  HiLink mvComma		Delimiter
-  HiLink mvComment		Comment
-  HiLink mvCond		Conditional
-  HiLink mvConstant		Number
-  HiLink mvDelayEval	Label
-  HiLink mvDcolon		Delimiter
-  HiLink mvError		Error
-  HiLink mvLibrary		Statement
-  HiLink mvNumber		Number
-  HiLink mvOper		Operator
-  HiLink mvAssign		Delimiter
-  HiLink mvPackage		Type
-  HiLink mvPkgFunc		Function
-  HiLink mvPktOption	Special
-  HiLink mvRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink mvSpecial		Special
-  HiLink mvStatement	Statement
-  HiLink mvName		String
-  HiLink mvString		String
-  HiLink mvTodo		Todo
+" Maple->Standard Links {{{2
+HiLink mvAssign		Delimiter
+HiLink mvBool		Boolean
+HiLink mvComma		Delimiter
+HiLink mvComment		Comment
+HiLink mvCond		Conditional
+HiLink mvConstant		Number
+HiLink mvDelayEval	Label
+HiLink mvDcolon		Delimiter
+HiLink mvError		Error
+HiLink mvLibrary		Statement
+HiLink mvNumber		Number
+HiLink mvOper		Operator
+HiLink mvAssign		Delimiter
+HiLink mvPackage		Type
+HiLink mvPkgFunc		Function
+HiLink mvPktOption	Special
+HiLink mvRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink mvSpecial		Special
+HiLink mvStatement	Statement
+HiLink mvName		String
+HiLink mvString		String
+HiLink mvTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 " Current Syntax: {{{1
 let b:current_syntax = "maple"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/markdown.vim b/runtime/syntax/markdown.vim
index 068115e92d..1955a7443e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/markdown.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/markdown.vim
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 " Language:     Markdown
 " Maintainer:   Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
 " Filenames:    *.markdown
-" Last Change:  2013 May 30
+" Last Change:  2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
@@ -70,29 +70,34 @@ syn region markdownUrlTitle matchgroup=markdownUrlTitleDelimiter start=+"+ end=+
 syn region markdownUrlTitle matchgroup=markdownUrlTitleDelimiter start=+'+ end=+'+ keepend contained
 syn region markdownUrlTitle matchgroup=markdownUrlTitleDelimiter start=+(+ end=+)+ keepend contained
 
-syn region markdownLinkText matchgroup=markdownLinkTextDelimiter start="!\=\[\%(\_[^]]*]\%( \=[[(]\)\)\@=" end="\]\%( \=[[(]\)\@=" keepend nextgroup=markdownLink,markdownId skipwhite contains=@markdownInline,markdownLineStart
+syn region markdownLinkText matchgroup=markdownLinkTextDelimiter start="!\=\[\%(\_[^]]*]\%( \=[[(]\)\)\@=" end="\]\%( \=[[(]\)\@=" nextgroup=markdownLink,markdownId skipwhite contains=@markdownInline,markdownLineStart
 syn region markdownLink matchgroup=markdownLinkDelimiter start="(" end=")" contains=markdownUrl keepend contained
 syn region markdownId matchgroup=markdownIdDelimiter start="\[" end="\]" keepend contained
 syn region markdownAutomaticLink matchgroup=markdownUrlDelimiter start="<\%(\w\+:\|[[:alnum:]_+-]\+@\)\@=" end=">" keepend oneline
 
-syn region markdownItalic start="\S\@<=\*\|\*\S\@=" end="\S\@<=\*\|\*\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart
-syn region markdownItalic start="\S\@<=_\|_\S\@=" end="\S\@<=_\|_\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart
-syn region markdownBold start="\S\@<=\*\*\|\*\*\S\@=" end="\S\@<=\*\*\|\*\*\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart,markdownItalic
-syn region markdownBold start="\S\@<=__\|__\S\@=" end="\S\@<=__\|__\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart,markdownItalic
-syn region markdownBoldItalic start="\S\@<=\*\*\*\|\*\*\*\S\@=" end="\S\@<=\*\*\*\|\*\*\*\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart
-syn region markdownBoldItalic start="\S\@<=___\|___\S\@=" end="\S\@<=___\|___\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart
+let s:concealends = has('conceal') ? ' concealends' : ''
+exe 'syn region markdownItalic matchgroup=markdownItalicDelimiter start="\S\@<=\*\|\*\S\@=" end="\S\@<=\*\|\*\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart' . s:concealends
+exe 'syn region markdownItalic matchgroup=markdownItalicDelimiter start="\S\@<=_\|_\S\@=" end="\S\@<=_\|_\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart' . s:concealends
+exe 'syn region markdownBold matchgroup=markdownBoldDelimiter start="\S\@<=\*\*\|\*\*\S\@=" end="\S\@<=\*\*\|\*\*\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart,markdownItalic' . s:concealends
+exe 'syn region markdownBold matchgroup=markdownBoldDelimiter start="\S\@<=__\|__\S\@=" end="\S\@<=__\|__\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart,markdownItalic' . s:concealends
+exe 'syn region markdownBoldItalic matchgroup=markdownBoldItalicDelimiter start="\S\@<=\*\*\*\|\*\*\*\S\@=" end="\S\@<=\*\*\*\|\*\*\*\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart' . s:concealends
+exe 'syn region markdownBoldItalic matchgroup=markdownBoldItalicDelimiter start="\S\@<=___\|___\S\@=" end="\S\@<=___\|___\S\@=" keepend contains=markdownLineStart' . s:concealends
+
 syn region markdownCode matchgroup=markdownCodeDelimiter start="`" end="`" keepend contains=markdownLineStart
 syn region markdownCode matchgroup=markdownCodeDelimiter start="`` \=" end=" \=``" keepend contains=markdownLineStart
 syn region markdownCode matchgroup=markdownCodeDelimiter start="^\s*```.*$" end="^\s*```\ze\s*$" keepend
 
+syn match markdownFootnote "\[^[^\]]\+\]"
+syn match markdownFootnoteDefinition "^\[^[^\]]\+\]:"
+
 if main_syntax ==# 'markdown'
   for s:type in g:markdown_fenced_languages
-    exe 'syn region markdownHighlight'.substitute(matchstr(s:type,'[^=]*$'),'\..*','','').' matchgroup=markdownCodeDelimiter start="^\s*```'.matchstr(s:type,'[^=]*').'\>.*$" end="^\s*```\ze\s*$" keepend contains=@markdownHighlight'.substitute(matchstr(s:type,'[^=]*$'),'\.','','g')
+    exe 'syn region markdownHighlight'.substitute(matchstr(s:type,'[^=]*$'),'\..*','','').' matchgroup=markdownCodeDelimiter start="^\s*```\s*'.matchstr(s:type,'[^=]*').'\>.*$" end="^\s*```\ze\s*$" keepend contains=@markdownHighlight'.substitute(matchstr(s:type,'[^=]*$'),'\.','','g')
   endfor
   unlet! s:type
 endif
 
-syn match markdownEscape "\\[][\\`*_{}()#+.!-]"
+syn match markdownEscape "\\[][\\`*_{}()<>#+.!-]"
 syn match markdownError "\w\@<=_\w\@="
 
 hi def link markdownH1                    htmlH1
@@ -108,6 +113,9 @@ hi def link markdownListMarker            htmlTagName
 hi def link markdownBlockquote            Comment
 hi def link markdownRule                  PreProc
 
+hi def link markdownFootnote              Typedef
+hi def link markdownFootnoteDefinition    Typedef
+
 hi def link markdownLinkText              htmlLink
 hi def link markdownIdDeclaration         Typedef
 hi def link markdownId                    Type
@@ -119,8 +127,11 @@ hi def link markdownUrlDelimiter          htmlTag
 hi def link markdownUrlTitleDelimiter     Delimiter
 
 hi def link markdownItalic                htmlItalic
+hi def link markdownItalicDelimiter       markdownItalic
 hi def link markdownBold                  htmlBold
+hi def link markdownBoldDelimiter         markdownBold
 hi def link markdownBoldItalic            htmlBoldItalic
+hi def link markdownBoldItalicDelimiter   markdownBoldItalic
 hi def link markdownCodeDelimiter         Delimiter
 
 hi def link markdownEscape                Special
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mason.vim b/runtime/syntax/mason.vim
index 40bdb0eaa4..6789e11aef 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mason.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mason.vim
@@ -13,12 +13,8 @@
 "  - Fix <%text> blocks to show HTML tags but ignore Mason tags.
 "
 
-" Clear previous syntax settings unless this is v6 or above, in which case just
-" exit without doing anything.
-"
-if version < 600
-	syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -30,22 +26,14 @@ endif
 
 " First pull in the HTML syntax.
 "
-if version < 600
-	so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-	runtime! syntax/html.vim
-	unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syn cluster htmlPreproc add=@masonTop
 
 " Now pull in the Perl syntax.
 "
-if version < 600
-	syn include @perlTop <sfile>:p:h/perl.vim
-else
-	syn include @perlTop syntax/perl.vim
-endif
+syn include @perlTop syntax/perl.vim
 
 " It's hard to reduce down to the correct sub-set of Perl to highlight in some
 " of these cases so I've taken the safe option of just using perlTop in all of
@@ -78,19 +66,7 @@ syn cluster masonTop contains=masonLine,masonExpr,masonPerl,masonComp,masonArgs,
 
 " Set up default highlighting. Almost all of this is done in the included
 " syntax files.
-"
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mason_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_mason_syn_inits = 1
-		com -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		com -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
-
-	HiLink masonDoc Comment
-
-	delc HiLink
-endif
+hi def link masonDoc Comment
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mason"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/master.vim b/runtime/syntax/master.vim
index 40d644eef9..14440ee13d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/master.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/master.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " this is a very simple syntax file - I will be improving it
 " add entire DEFINE syntax
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -28,22 +25,14 @@ syn region  masterString	start=+'+  end=+'+
 syn match   masterComment	"\$.*"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_master_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_master_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink masterKeyword Keyword
-  HiLink masterComment Comment
-  HiLink masterString  String
+HiLink masterKeyword Keyword
+HiLink masterComment Comment
+HiLink masterString  String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "master"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/matlab.vim b/runtime/syntax/matlab.vim
index 3828f3e8a8..9cc2be877c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/matlab.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/matlab.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " Change History:
 " 		- 'global' and 'persistent' keyword are now recognized
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -76,49 +73,41 @@ syn match matlabError	"-\=\<\d\+\.\d\+\.[^*/\\^]"
 syn match matlabError	"-\=\<\d\+\.\d\+[eEdD][-+]\=\d\+\.\([^*/\\^]\)"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_matlab_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_matlab_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink matlabTransposeOperator	matlabOperator
-  HiLink matlabOperator			Operator
-  HiLink matlabLineContinuation		Special
-  HiLink matlabLabel			Label
-  HiLink matlabConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink matlabExceptions		Conditional
-  HiLink matlabRepeat			Repeat
-  HiLink matlabTodo			Todo
-  HiLink matlabString			String
-  HiLink matlabDelimiter		Identifier
-  HiLink matlabTransposeOther		Identifier
-  HiLink matlabNumber			Number
-  HiLink matlabFloat			Float
-  HiLink matlabFunction			Function
-  HiLink matlabError			Error
-  HiLink matlabImplicit			matlabStatement
-  HiLink matlabStatement		Statement
-  HiLink matlabOO			Statement
-  HiLink matlabSemicolon		SpecialChar
-  HiLink matlabComment			Comment
-  HiLink matlabMultilineComment		Comment
-  HiLink matlabScope			Type
+HiLink matlabTransposeOperator	matlabOperator
+HiLink matlabOperator			Operator
+HiLink matlabLineContinuation		Special
+HiLink matlabLabel			Label
+HiLink matlabConditional		Conditional
+HiLink matlabExceptions		Conditional
+HiLink matlabRepeat			Repeat
+HiLink matlabTodo			Todo
+HiLink matlabString			String
+HiLink matlabDelimiter		Identifier
+HiLink matlabTransposeOther		Identifier
+HiLink matlabNumber			Number
+HiLink matlabFloat			Float
+HiLink matlabFunction			Function
+HiLink matlabError			Error
+HiLink matlabImplicit			matlabStatement
+HiLink matlabStatement		Statement
+HiLink matlabOO			Statement
+HiLink matlabSemicolon		SpecialChar
+HiLink matlabComment			Comment
+HiLink matlabMultilineComment		Comment
+HiLink matlabScope			Type
 
-  HiLink matlabArithmeticOperator	matlabOperator
-  HiLink matlabRelationalOperator	matlabOperator
-  HiLink matlabLogicalOperator		matlabOperator
+HiLink matlabArithmeticOperator	matlabOperator
+HiLink matlabRelationalOperator	matlabOperator
+HiLink matlabLogicalOperator		matlabOperator
 
 "optional highlighting
-  "HiLink matlabIdentifier		Identifier
-  "HiLink matlabTab			Error
+"HiLink matlabIdentifier		Identifier
+"HiLink matlabTab			Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "matlab"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/maxima.vim b/runtime/syntax/maxima.vim
index 27dcc18842..be13b0ef25 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/maxima.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/maxima.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Adapted mostly from xmath.vim
 " Number formats adapted from r.vim
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -234,41 +231,33 @@ syn sync match maximaSyncComment	grouphere maximaCommentBlock "/*"
 syn sync match maximaSyncComment	groupthere NONE "*/"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_maxima_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_maxima_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink maximaBraceError	maximaError
-  HiLink maximaCmd	maximaStatement
-  HiLink maximaCurlyError	maximaError
-  HiLink maximaFuncCmd	maximaStatement
-  HiLink maximaParenError	maximaError
+HiLink maximaBraceError	maximaError
+HiLink maximaCmd	maximaStatement
+HiLink maximaCurlyError	maximaError
+HiLink maximaFuncCmd	maximaStatement
+HiLink maximaParenError	maximaError
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink maximaCharacter	Character
-  HiLink maximaComma	Function
-  HiLink maximaCommentBlock	Comment
-  HiLink maximaConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink maximaError	Error
-  HiLink maximaFunc	Delimiter
-  HiLink maximaOp                 Delimiter
-  HiLink maximaLabel	PreProc
-  HiLink maximaNumber	Number
-  HiLink maximaFloat	Float
-  HiLink maximaRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink maximaSpecial	Type
-  HiLink maximaSpecialChar	SpecialChar
-  HiLink maximaStatement	Statement
-  HiLink maximaString	String
-  HiLink maximaTodo	Todo
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink maximaCharacter	Character
+HiLink maximaComma	Function
+HiLink maximaCommentBlock	Comment
+HiLink maximaConditional	Conditional
+HiLink maximaError	Error
+HiLink maximaFunc	Delimiter
+HiLink maximaOp                 Delimiter
+HiLink maximaLabel	PreProc
+HiLink maximaNumber	Number
+HiLink maximaFloat	Float
+HiLink maximaRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink maximaSpecial	Type
+HiLink maximaSpecialChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink maximaStatement	Statement
+HiLink maximaString	String
+HiLink maximaTodo	Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "maxima"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mel.vim b/runtime/syntax/mel.vim
index a668e70378..3d89f72a57 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mel.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mel.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	May 27 1999
 " Based on:	Bram Moolenaar <Bram@vim.org> C syntax file
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -77,45 +74,37 @@ endif
 exec "sy sync ccomment melComment minlines=" . mel_minlines
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mel_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mel_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink melBoolean	Boolean
-  HiLink melFunction	Function
-  HiLink melIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink melStatement	Statement
-  HiLink melConditional Conditional
-  HiLink melRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink melLabel	Label
-  HiLink melOperator	Operator
-  HiLink melKeyword	Keyword
-  HiLink melException	Exception
-  HiLink melInclude	Include
-  HiLink melType	Type
-  HiLink melStorageClass StorageClass
-  HiLink melDebug	Debug
-  HiLink melTodo	Todo
-  HiLink melCharSpecial SpecialChar
-  HiLink melString	String
-  HiLink melInteger	Number
-  HiLink melFloat	Float
-  HiLink melMatrixVector Float
-  HiLink melComment	Comment
-  HiLink melError	Error
-  HiLink melSpaceError	melError
-  HiLink melCharError	melError
-  HiLink melParenError	melError
-  HiLink melInParen	melError
-  HiLink melCommentError melError
+HiLink melBoolean	Boolean
+HiLink melFunction	Function
+HiLink melIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink melStatement	Statement
+HiLink melConditional Conditional
+HiLink melRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink melLabel	Label
+HiLink melOperator	Operator
+HiLink melKeyword	Keyword
+HiLink melException	Exception
+HiLink melInclude	Include
+HiLink melType	Type
+HiLink melStorageClass StorageClass
+HiLink melDebug	Debug
+HiLink melTodo	Todo
+HiLink melCharSpecial SpecialChar
+HiLink melString	String
+HiLink melInteger	Number
+HiLink melFloat	Float
+HiLink melMatrixVector Float
+HiLink melComment	Comment
+HiLink melError	Error
+HiLink melSpaceError	melError
+HiLink melCharError	melError
+HiLink melParenError	melError
+HiLink melInParen	melError
+HiLink melCommentError melError
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mel"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mf.vim b/runtime/syntax/mf.vim
index 8bc48fee46..e277c2d6c0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mf.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Andreas Scherer <andreas.scherer@pobox.com>
 " Last Change:	April 25, 2001
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -157,40 +154,32 @@ syn match mfComment	"%.*$"
 syn sync maxlines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mf_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mf_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink mfBoolExp	Statement
-  HiLink mfNumExp	Statement
-  HiLink mfInternal	Identifier
-  HiLink mfPairExp	Statement
-  HiLink mfPathExp	Statement
-  HiLink mfPenExp	Statement
-  HiLink mfPicExp	Statement
-  HiLink mfStringExp	Statement
-  HiLink mfCommand	Statement
-  HiLink mfType	Type
-  HiLink mfStatement	Statement
-  HiLink mfDefinition	Statement
-  HiLink mfCondition	Conditional
-  HiLink mfPrimitive	Statement
-  HiLink mfMacro	Macro
-  HiLink mfCoord	Identifier
-  HiLink mfPoint	Identifier
-  HiLink mfNumeric	Number
-  HiLink mfLength	Number
-  HiLink mfComment	Comment
-  HiLink mfString	String
+HiLink mfBoolExp	Statement
+HiLink mfNumExp	Statement
+HiLink mfInternal	Identifier
+HiLink mfPairExp	Statement
+HiLink mfPathExp	Statement
+HiLink mfPenExp	Statement
+HiLink mfPicExp	Statement
+HiLink mfStringExp	Statement
+HiLink mfCommand	Statement
+HiLink mfType	Type
+HiLink mfStatement	Statement
+HiLink mfDefinition	Statement
+HiLink mfCondition	Conditional
+HiLink mfPrimitive	Statement
+HiLink mfMacro	Macro
+HiLink mfCoord	Identifier
+HiLink mfPoint	Identifier
+HiLink mfNumeric	Number
+HiLink mfLength	Number
+HiLink mfComment	Comment
+HiLink mfString	String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mf"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mgl.vim b/runtime/syntax/mgl.vim
index 55ae137f2f..4fd718e05b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mgl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mgl.vim
@@ -6,9 +6,8 @@
 "
 " $Id: mgl.vim,v 1.1 2006/02/21 22:08:20 vimboss Exp $
 "
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -84,43 +83,35 @@ syn keyword mglPredefined	exception
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mgl_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mgl_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink mglBoolean		Boolean
-  HiLink mglComment		Comment
-  HiLink mglConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink mglConstant		Constant
-  HiLink mglException		Exception
-  HiLink mglFunction		Function
-  HiLink mglLabel		Label
-  HiLink mglMatrixDelimiter	Identifier
-  HiLink mglNumber		Number
-  HiLink mglHexNumber		Number
-  HiLink mglCharacter		Number
-  HiLink mglIpAddr		Number
-  HiLink mglOperator		Operator
-  HiLink mglPredefined		mglFunction
-  HiLink mglPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink mglRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink mglStatement		Statement
-  HiLink mglString		String
-  HiLink mglStringEscape	Special
-  HiLink mglStringEscapeGPC	Special
-  HiLink mglStringError		Error
-  HiLink mglStruct		mglStatement
-  HiLink mglSymbolOperator	mglOperator
-  HiLink mglType		Type
+HiLink mglBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink mglComment		Comment
+HiLink mglConditional		Conditional
+HiLink mglConstant		Constant
+HiLink mglException		Exception
+HiLink mglFunction		Function
+HiLink mglLabel		Label
+HiLink mglMatrixDelimiter	Identifier
+HiLink mglNumber		Number
+HiLink mglHexNumber		Number
+HiLink mglCharacter		Number
+HiLink mglIpAddr		Number
+HiLink mglOperator		Operator
+HiLink mglPredefined		mglFunction
+HiLink mglPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink mglRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink mglStatement		Statement
+HiLink mglString		String
+HiLink mglStringEscape	Special
+HiLink mglStringEscapeGPC	Special
+HiLink mglStringError		Error
+HiLink mglStruct		mglStatement
+HiLink mglSymbolOperator	mglOperator
+HiLink mglType		Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mgl"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mgp.vim b/runtime/syntax/mgp.vim
index 76b96612e2..a5c6186c43 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mgp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mgp.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 " SPAM is _NOT_ welcome - be ready to be reported!
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -48,36 +45,27 @@ syn match mgpNoDefault +^%nodefault$+
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mgp_syn_inits")
-  let did_mgp_syn_inits = 1
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mgp_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink mgpLineSkip	Special
+HiLink mgpLineSkip	Special
 
-  HiLink mgpHash	mgpComment
-  HiLink mgpPercent	mgpComment
-  HiLink mgpComment	Comment
+HiLink mgpHash	mgpComment
+HiLink mgpPercent	mgpComment
+HiLink mgpComment	Comment
 
-  HiLink mgpCommand	Identifier
+HiLink mgpCommand	Identifier
 
-  HiLink mgpLine	Type
+HiLink mgpLine	Type
 
-  HiLink mgpFile	String
-  HiLink mgpSize	Number
-  HiLink mgpValue	Number
+HiLink mgpFile	String
+HiLink mgpSize	Number
+HiLink mgpValue	Number
 
-  HiLink mgpPage	mgpDefine
-  HiLink mgpNoDefault	mgpDefine
-  HiLink mgpDefine	Define
+HiLink mgpPage	mgpDefine
+HiLink mgpNoDefault	mgpDefine
+HiLink mgpDefine	Define
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mgp"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mma.vim b/runtime/syntax/mma.vim
index c63beb1195..9bdb7019b7 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mma.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mma.vim
@@ -35,9 +35,8 @@
 "   fix nesting
 "   finish populating popular symbols
 
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -283,47 +282,40 @@ syntax sync fromstart
 "set foldnestmax=1
 "set foldminlines=15
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mma_syn_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_mma_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    " NOTE - the following links are not guaranteed to
-    " look good under all colorschemes.  You might need to
-    " :so $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/hitest.vim and tweak these to
-    " look good in yours
+" NOTE - the following links are not guaranteed to
+" look good under all colorschemes.  You might need to
+" :so $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/hitest.vim and tweak these to
+" look good in yours
 
 
-    HiLink mmaComment           Comment
-    HiLink mmaCommentStar       Comment
-    HiLink mmaFunctionComment   Comment
-    HiLink mmaLooseQuote        Comment
-	HiLink mmaGenericFunction   Function
-	HiLink mmaVariable          Identifier
+HiLink mmaComment           Comment
+HiLink mmaCommentStar       Comment
+HiLink mmaFunctionComment   Comment
+HiLink mmaLooseQuote        Comment
+HiLink mmaGenericFunction   Function
+HiLink mmaVariable          Identifier
 "    HiLink mmaSymbol            Identifier
-	HiLink mmaOperator          Operator
-    HiLink mmaPatternOp         Operator
-	HiLink mmaPureFunction      Operator
-	HiLink mmaString            String
-    HiLink mmaCommentString     String
-	HiLink mmaUnicode           String
-	HiLink mmaMessage           Type
-    HiLink mmaNumber            Type
-	HiLink mmaPattern           Type
-	HiLink mmaError             Error
-	HiLink mmaFixme             Error
-    HiLink mmaPatternError      Error
-    HiLink mmaTodo              Todo
-    HiLink mmaemPHAsis          Special
-    HiLink mmaFunctionTitle     Special
-    HiLink mmaMessageType       Special
-    HiLink mmaItem              Preproc
+HiLink mmaOperator          Operator
+HiLink mmaPatternOp         Operator
+HiLink mmaPureFunction      Operator
+HiLink mmaString            String
+HiLink mmaCommentString     String
+HiLink mmaUnicode           String
+HiLink mmaMessage           Type
+HiLink mmaNumber            Type
+HiLink mmaPattern           Type
+HiLink mmaError             Error
+HiLink mmaFixme             Error
+HiLink mmaPatternError      Error
+HiLink mmaTodo              Todo
+HiLink mmaemPHAsis          Special
+HiLink mmaFunctionTitle     Special
+HiLink mmaMessageType       Special
+HiLink mmaItem              Preproc
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mma"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mmix.vim b/runtime/syntax/mmix.vim
index 79ca781402..724bdd35e4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mmix.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mmix.vim
@@ -9,9 +9,8 @@
 " Limitations:	Comments must start with either % or //
 "		(preferably %, Knuth-Style)
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -119,44 +118,36 @@ syn match mmixRegister		"r[A-Z]"
 syn keyword mmixRegister	rBB rTT rWW rXX rYY rZZ
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mmix_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mmix_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink mmixAt		Type
-  HiLink mmixPseudo	Type
-  HiLink mmixRegister	Special
-  HiLink mmixSegments	Type
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink mmixAt		Type
+HiLink mmixPseudo	Type
+HiLink mmixRegister	Special
+HiLink mmixSegments	Type
 
-  HiLink mmixLabel	Special
-  HiLink mmixComment	Comment
-  HiLink mmixOpcode	Keyword
+HiLink mmixLabel	Special
+HiLink mmixComment	Comment
+HiLink mmixOpcode	Keyword
 
-  HiLink hexNumber	Number
-  HiLink decNumber	Number
-  HiLink octNumber	Number
+HiLink hexNumber	Number
+HiLink decNumber	Number
+HiLink octNumber	Number
 
-  HiLink mmixString	String
-  HiLink mmixChar	String
+HiLink mmixString	String
+HiLink mmixChar	String
 
-  HiLink mmixType	Type
-  HiLink mmixIdentifier	Normal
-  HiLink mmixSpecialComment Comment
+HiLink mmixType	Type
+HiLink mmixIdentifier	Normal
+HiLink mmixSpecialComment Comment
 
-  " My default color overrides:
-  " hi mmixSpecialComment ctermfg=red
-  "hi mmixLabel ctermfg=lightcyan
-  " hi mmixType ctermbg=black ctermfg=brown
+" My default color overrides:
+" hi mmixSpecialComment ctermfg=red
+"hi mmixLabel ctermfg=lightcyan
+" hi mmixType ctermbg=black ctermfg=brown
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mmix"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mmp.vim b/runtime/syntax/mmp.vim
index 0117e77925..d0b9f7cfb5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mmp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mmp.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " URL: http://ronware.org/wiki/vim/mmp
 " Filetypes:	*.mmp
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -34,8 +31,7 @@ syn match   mmpNumber	"0x\x\+"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
 if !exists("did_mmp_syntax_inits")
   let did_mmp_syntax_inits=1
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/modsim3.vim b/runtime/syntax/modsim3.vim
index 04e9ab9ab6..ba1963b695 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/modsim3.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/modsim3.vim
@@ -12,10 +12,8 @@
 "
 " very basic things only (based on the modula2 and c files).
 
-if version < 600
-  " Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -77,31 +75,23 @@ syn region modsim3String start=+"+ end=+"+
 syn match modsim3Literal "'[^']'\|''''"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_modsim3_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_modsim3_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink modsim3Keyword	Statement
-  HiLink modsim3Block		Statement
-  HiLink modsim3Comment1	Comment
-  HiLink modsim3Comment2	Comment
-  HiLink modsim3String		String
-  HiLink modsim3Literal	Character
-  HiLink modsim3Include	Statement
-  HiLink modsim3Type		Type
-  HiLink modsim3ParenError	Error
-  HiLink modsim3Builtin	Function
-  HiLink modsim3BuiltinNoParen	Function
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink modsim3Keyword	Statement
+HiLink modsim3Block		Statement
+HiLink modsim3Comment1	Comment
+HiLink modsim3Comment2	Comment
+HiLink modsim3String		String
+HiLink modsim3Literal	Character
+HiLink modsim3Include	Statement
+HiLink modsim3Type		Type
+HiLink modsim3ParenError	Error
+HiLink modsim3Builtin	Function
+HiLink modsim3BuiltinNoParen	Function
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "modsim3"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/modula2.vim b/runtime/syntax/modula2.vim
index 3018900e80..9873201cda 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/modula2.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/modula2.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 "   based on original work of Bram Moolenaar <Bram@vim.org>
 " Last Change:	2001 May 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -54,32 +51,24 @@ syn region modula2String start="'" end="'"
 syn region modula2Set start="{" end="}"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_modula2_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_modula2_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink modula2Ident		Identifier
-  HiLink modula2StdConst	Boolean
-  HiLink modula2Type		Identifier
-  HiLink modula2StdFunc		Identifier
-  HiLink modula2Header		Type
-  HiLink modula2Keyword		Statement
-  HiLink modula2AttKeyword	PreProc
-  HiLink modula2Comment		Comment
-  " The following is just a matter of taste (you want to try this instead):
-  " hi modula2Comment term=bold ctermfg=DarkBlue guifg=Blue gui=bold
-  HiLink modula2Todo		Todo
-  HiLink modula2String		String
-  HiLink modula2Set		String
+HiLink modula2Ident		Identifier
+HiLink modula2StdConst	Boolean
+HiLink modula2Type		Identifier
+HiLink modula2StdFunc		Identifier
+HiLink modula2Header		Type
+HiLink modula2Keyword		Statement
+HiLink modula2AttKeyword	PreProc
+HiLink modula2Comment		Comment
+" The following is just a matter of taste (you want to try this instead):
+" hi modula2Comment term=bold ctermfg=DarkBlue guifg=Blue gui=bold
+HiLink modula2Todo		Todo
+HiLink modula2String		String
+HiLink modula2Set		String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "modula2"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/modula3.vim b/runtime/syntax/modula3.vim
index d6f72afbca..5f00efb76b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/modula3.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/modula3.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Basic things only...
 " Based on the modula 2 syntax file
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -46,24 +43,16 @@ syn region modula3String start=+"+ end=+"+
 syn region modula3String start=+'+ end=+'+
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_modula3_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_modula3_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink modula3Keyword	Statement
-  HiLink modula3Block		PreProc
-  HiLink modula3Comment	Comment
-  HiLink modula3String		String
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink modula3Keyword	Statement
+HiLink modula3Block		PreProc
+HiLink modula3Comment	Comment
+HiLink modula3String		String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "modula3"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/monk.vim b/runtime/syntax/monk.vim
index afe2b56190..851560a3a9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/monk.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/monk.vim
@@ -21,11 +21,8 @@
 
 " Initializing:
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -60,11 +57,7 @@ syn region monkUnquote matchgroup=Delimiter start=",@#(" end=")" contains=ALLBUT
 
 " R5RS Scheme Functions and Syntax:
 
-if version < 600
-  set iskeyword=33,35-39,42-58,60-90,94,95,97-122,126,_
-else
-  setlocal iskeyword=33,35-39,42-58,60-90,94,95,97-122,126,_
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=33,35-39,42-58,60-90,94,95,97-122,126,_
 
 syn keyword monkSyntax lambda and or if cond case define let let* letrec
 syn keyword monkSyntax begin do delay set! else =>
@@ -201,32 +194,24 @@ syn sync match matchPlace grouphere NONE "^[^ \t]"
 " ... i.e. synchronize on a line that starts at the left margin
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_monk_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_monk_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink monkSyntax		Statement
-  HiLink monkFunc		Function
+HiLink monkSyntax		Statement
+HiLink monkFunc		Function
 
-  HiLink monkString		String
-  HiLink monkChar		Character
-  HiLink monkNumber		Number
-  HiLink monkBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink monkString		String
+HiLink monkChar		Character
+HiLink monkNumber		Number
+HiLink monkBoolean		Boolean
 
-  HiLink monkDelimiter	Delimiter
-  HiLink monkConstant	Constant
+HiLink monkDelimiter	Delimiter
+HiLink monkConstant	Constant
 
-  HiLink monkComment		Comment
-  HiLink monkError		Error
+HiLink monkComment		Comment
+HiLink monkError		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "monk"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/moo.vim b/runtime/syntax/moo.vim
index 10c5d3b4bc..617058f8e3 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/moo.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/moo.vim
@@ -4,8 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2001 Oct 06
 " Note:		Requires Vim 6.0 or above
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600 || exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mp.vim b/runtime/syntax/mp.vim
index c0fd60b3da..480db2a1b1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mp.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Andreas Scherer <andreas.scherer@pobox.com>
 " Last Change:	April 30, 2001
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -15,11 +12,7 @@ let plain_mf_macros = 0 " plain.mf has no special meaning for MetaPost
 let other_mf_macros = 0 " cmbase.mf, logo.mf, ... neither
 
 " Read the Metafont syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/mf.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/mf.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/mf.vim
 
 " MetaPost has TeX inserts for typeset labels
 " verbatimtex, btex, and etex will be treated as keywords
@@ -108,24 +101,16 @@ if other_mp_macros
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mp_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mp_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink mpTeXinsert	String
-  HiLink mpTeXbegin	Statement
-  HiLink mpTeXend	Statement
-  HiLink mpInternal	mfInternal
-  HiLink mpMacro	Macro
+HiLink mpTeXinsert	String
+HiLink mpTeXbegin	Statement
+HiLink mpTeXend	Statement
+HiLink mpInternal	mfInternal
+HiLink mpMacro	Macro
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mp"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/msidl.vim b/runtime/syntax/msidl.vim
index 79585bebc6..3bf5940a81 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/msidl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/msidl.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:   Vadim Zeitlin <vadim@wxwindows.org>
 " Last Change:  2012 Feb 12 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -56,39 +53,31 @@ syn region  msidlSafeArray      start="SAFEARRAY(" end=")" contains=msidlStandar
 syn sync lines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_msidl_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_msidl_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink msidlInclude		Include
-  HiLink msidlPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink msidlPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink msidlDefine		Macro
-  HiLink msidlIncluded		String
-  HiLink msidlString		String
-  HiLink msidlComment		Comment
-  HiLink msidlTodo		Todo
-  HiLink msidlSpecial		SpecialChar
-  HiLink msidlLiteral		Number
-  HiLink msidlUUID		Number
+HiLink msidlInclude		Include
+HiLink msidlPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink msidlPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink msidlDefine		Macro
+HiLink msidlIncluded		String
+HiLink msidlString		String
+HiLink msidlComment		Comment
+HiLink msidlTodo		Todo
+HiLink msidlSpecial		SpecialChar
+HiLink msidlLiteral		Number
+HiLink msidlUUID		Number
 
-  HiLink msidlImport		Include
-  HiLink msidlEnum		StorageClass
-  HiLink msidlStruct		Structure
-  HiLink msidlTypedef		Typedef
-  HiLink msidlAttribute		StorageClass
+HiLink msidlImport		Include
+HiLink msidlEnum		StorageClass
+HiLink msidlStruct		Structure
+HiLink msidlTypedef		Typedef
+HiLink msidlAttribute		StorageClass
 
-  HiLink msidlStandardType	Type
-  HiLink msidlSafeArray		Type
+HiLink msidlStandardType	Type
+HiLink msidlSafeArray		Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "msidl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/msmessages.vim b/runtime/syntax/msmessages.vim
index 60588571c9..5faee978b4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/msmessages.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/msmessages.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " See format description at <http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa385646.aspx>
 " This file is based on the rc.vim and c.vim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/msql.vim b/runtime/syntax/msql.vim
index 0716fbb1f6..6195786260 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/msql.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/msql.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " Options	msql_sql_query = 1 for SQL syntax highligthing inside strings
 "		msql_minlines = x     to sync at least x lines backwards
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -20,12 +17,8 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax = 'msql'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syn cluster htmlPreproc add=msqlRegion
 
@@ -57,39 +50,31 @@ else
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_msql_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_msql_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink msqlComment		Comment
-  HiLink msqlString		String
-  HiLink msqlNumber		Number
-  HiLink msqlFloat		Float
-  HiLink msqlIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink msqlGlobalIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink msqlIntVar		Identifier
-  HiLink msqlEnvVar		Identifier
-  HiLink msqlFunctions		Function
-  HiLink msqlRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink msqlConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink msqlStatement		Statement
-  HiLink msqlType		Type
-  HiLink msqlInclude		Include
-  HiLink msqlDefine		Define
-  HiLink msqlSpecialChar	SpecialChar
-  HiLink msqlParentError	Error
-  HiLink msqlTodo		Todo
-  HiLink msqlOperator		Operator
-  HiLink msqlRelation		Operator
+HiLink msqlComment		Comment
+HiLink msqlString		String
+HiLink msqlNumber		Number
+HiLink msqlFloat		Float
+HiLink msqlIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink msqlGlobalIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink msqlIntVar		Identifier
+HiLink msqlEnvVar		Identifier
+HiLink msqlFunctions		Function
+HiLink msqlRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink msqlConditional	Conditional
+HiLink msqlStatement		Statement
+HiLink msqlType		Type
+HiLink msqlInclude		Include
+HiLink msqlDefine		Define
+HiLink msqlSpecialChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink msqlParentError	Error
+HiLink msqlTodo		Todo
+HiLink msqlOperator		Operator
+HiLink msqlRelation		Operator
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "msql"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mupad.vim b/runtime/syntax/mupad.vim
index 109f880ee1..7f981f0b7a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mupad.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mupad.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Date:        6/30/2004
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -268,28 +265,21 @@ syn keyword mupadIdentifier	Tubular
 " graphics  meta-documentation Attributes
 syn keyword mupadIdentifier	objectGroupsListed
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mupad_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mupad_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink mupadComment		Comment
-  HiLink mupadString		String
-  HiLink mupadOperator		Operator
-  HiLink mupadSpecial		Special
-  HiLink mupadStatement		Statement
-  HiLink mupadUnderlined	Underlined
-  HiLink mupadConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink mupadRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink mupadFunction		Function
-  HiLink mupadType		Type
-  HiLink mupadDefine		Define
-  HiLink mupadIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink mupadComment		Comment
+HiLink mupadString		String
+HiLink mupadOperator		Operator
+HiLink mupadSpecial		Special
+HiLink mupadStatement		Statement
+HiLink mupadUnderlined	Underlined
+HiLink mupadConditional	Conditional
+HiLink mupadRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink mupadFunction		Function
+HiLink mupadType		Type
+HiLink mupadDefine		Define
+HiLink mupadIdentifier	Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 " TODO  More comprehensive listing.
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mush.vim b/runtime/syntax/mush.vim
index 0645f33565..cf95d2a9e9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mush.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mush.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Based on vim Syntax file by: Bek Oberin <gossamer@tertius.net.au>
 " Last Updated: Fri Nov 04 20:28:15 2005
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -185,42 +182,35 @@ syntax keyword mushAttribute use va vb vc vd ve vf vg vh vi vj vk vl vm vn
 syntax keyword mushAttribute vo vp vq vr vs vt vu vv vw vx vy vz
 
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mush_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mush_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink mushAttribute  Constant
-  HiLink mushCommand    Function
-  HiLink mushNumber     Number
-  HiLink mushSetting    PreProc
-  HiLink mushFunction   Statement
-  HiLink mushVariable   Identifier
-  HiLink mushSpecial    Special
-  HiLink mushTodo       Todo
-  HiLink mushFlag       Special
-  HiLink mushIdentifier Identifier
-  HiLink mushDefine     Macro
-  HiLink mushPreProc    PreProc
-  HiLink mushPreProcGroup PreProc 
-  HiLink mushPreCondit PreCondit
-  HiLink mushIncluded cString
-  HiLink  mushInclude Include
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink mushAttribute  Constant
+HiLink mushCommand    Function
+HiLink mushNumber     Number
+HiLink mushSetting    PreProc
+HiLink mushFunction   Statement
+HiLink mushVariable   Identifier
+HiLink mushSpecial    Special
+HiLink mushTodo       Todo
+HiLink mushFlag       Special
+HiLink mushIdentifier Identifier
+HiLink mushDefine     Macro
+HiLink mushPreProc    PreProc
+HiLink mushPreProcGroup PreProc 
+HiLink mushPreCondit PreCondit
+HiLink mushIncluded cString
+HiLink  mushInclude Include
 
 
 
 " Comments
-  HiLink mushCommentStart mushComment
-  HiLink mushComment    Comment
-  HiLink mushCommentString mushString
+HiLink mushCommentStart mushComment
+HiLink mushComment    Comment
+HiLink mushCommentString mushString
 
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mush"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/muttrc.vim b/runtime/syntax/muttrc.vim
index 94b27313b2..4e073b887e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/muttrc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/muttrc.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 
 " This file covers mutt version 1.7.0
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -18,11 +15,7 @@ let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
 " Set the keyword characters
-if version < 600
-  set isk=@,48-57,_,-
-else
-  setlocal isk=@,48-57,_,-
-endif
+setlocal isk=@,48-57,_,-
 
 " handling optional variables
 if !exists("use_mutt_sidebar")
@@ -636,160 +629,152 @@ syn keyword muttrcMono		contained mono		skipwhite nextgroup=muttrcColorField
 syn match   muttrcMonoLine	"^\s*mono\s\+\S\+"	skipwhite nextgroup=muttrcMonoAttrib contains=muttrcMono
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_muttrc_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_muttrc_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink muttrcComment		Comment
-  HiLink muttrcEscape		SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcRXChars		SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcString		String
-  HiLink muttrcRXString		String
-  HiLink muttrcRXString2	String
-  HiLink muttrcSpecial		Special
-  HiLink muttrcHooks		Type
-  HiLink muttrcGroupFlag	Type
-  HiLink muttrcGroupDef		Macro
-  HiLink muttrcAddrDef		muttrcGroupFlag
-  HiLink muttrcRXDef		muttrcGroupFlag
-  HiLink muttrcRXPat		String
-  HiLink muttrcAliasGroupName	Macro
-  HiLink muttrcAliasKey	        Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcUnAliasKey	Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcAliasEncEmail	Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcAliasParens	Type
-  HiLink muttrcSetNumAssignment	Number
-  HiLink muttrcSetBoolAssignment	Boolean
-  HiLink muttrcSetQuadAssignment	Boolean
-  HiLink muttrcSetStrAssignment	String
-  HiLink muttrcEmail		Special
-  HiLink muttrcVariableInner	Special
-  HiLink muttrcEscapedVariable	String
-  HiLink muttrcHeader		Type
-  HiLink muttrcKeySpecial	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcKey		Type
-  HiLink muttrcKeyName		SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcVarBool		Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcVarQuad		Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcVarNum		Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcVarStr		Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcMenu		Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcCommand		Keyword
-  HiLink muttrcMacroDescr	String
-  HiLink muttrcAction		Macro
-  HiLink muttrcBadAction	Error
-  HiLink muttrcBindFunction	Error
-  HiLink muttrcBindMenuList	Error
-  HiLink muttrcFunction		Macro
-  HiLink muttrcGroupKeyword	muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcGroupLine	Error
-  HiLink muttrcSubscribeKeyword	muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcSubscribeLine	Error
-  HiLink muttrcListsKeyword	muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcListsLine	Error
-  HiLink muttrcAlternateKeyword	muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcAlternatesLine	Error
-  HiLink muttrcAttachmentsLine	muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcAttachmentsFlag	Type
-  HiLink muttrcAttachmentsMimeType	String
-  HiLink muttrcColorLine	Error
-  HiLink muttrcColorContext	Error
-  HiLink muttrcColorContextI	Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcColorContextH	Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcColorKeyword	muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcColorKeywordI	muttrcColorKeyword
-  HiLink muttrcColorKeywordH	muttrcColorKeyword
-  HiLink muttrcColorField	Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcColor		Type
-  HiLink muttrcColorFG		Error
-  HiLink muttrcColorFGI		Error
-  HiLink muttrcColorFGH		Error
-  HiLink muttrcColorBG		Error
-  HiLink muttrcColorBGI		Error
-  HiLink muttrcColorBGH		Error
-  HiLink muttrcMonoAttrib	muttrcColor
-  HiLink muttrcMono		muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcSimplePat	Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcSimplePatString	Macro
-  HiLink muttrcSimplePatMetas	Special
-  HiLink muttrcPattern		Error
-  HiLink muttrcUnColorLine	Error
-  HiLink muttrcUnColorKeyword	muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcUnColorIndex	Identifier
-  HiLink muttrcShellString	muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcRXHooks		muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcRXHookNot	Type
-  HiLink muttrcPatHooks		muttrcCommand
-  HiLink muttrcPatHookNot	Type
-  HiLink muttrcFormatConditionals2 Type
-  HiLink muttrcIndexFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcIndexFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcIndexFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
-  HiLink muttrcAliasFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcAliasFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcAttachFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcAttachFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcAttachFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
-  HiLink muttrcComposeFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcComposeFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcFolderFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcFolderFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcFolderFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
-  HiLink muttrcMixFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcMixFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcMixFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
-  HiLink muttrcPGPFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcPGPFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcPGPFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
-  HiLink muttrcPGPCmdFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcPGPCmdFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcPGPCmdFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
-  HiLink muttrcStatusFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcStatusFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcStatusFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
-  HiLink muttrcPGPGetKeysFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcPGPGetKeysFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcSmimeFormatStr	muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcSmimeFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcSmimeFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
-  HiLink muttrcTimeEscapes	muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcPGPTimeEscapes	muttrcEscape
-  HiLink muttrcStrftimeEscapes	Type
-  HiLink muttrcStrftimeFormatStr muttrcString
-  HiLink muttrcFormatErrors Error
+HiLink muttrcComment		Comment
+HiLink muttrcEscape		SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcRXChars		SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcString		String
+HiLink muttrcRXString		String
+HiLink muttrcRXString2	String
+HiLink muttrcSpecial		Special
+HiLink muttrcHooks		Type
+HiLink muttrcGroupFlag	Type
+HiLink muttrcGroupDef		Macro
+HiLink muttrcAddrDef		muttrcGroupFlag
+HiLink muttrcRXDef		muttrcGroupFlag
+HiLink muttrcRXPat		String
+HiLink muttrcAliasGroupName	Macro
+HiLink muttrcAliasKey	        Identifier
+HiLink muttrcUnAliasKey	Identifier
+HiLink muttrcAliasEncEmail	Identifier
+HiLink muttrcAliasParens	Type
+HiLink muttrcSetNumAssignment	Number
+HiLink muttrcSetBoolAssignment	Boolean
+HiLink muttrcSetQuadAssignment	Boolean
+HiLink muttrcSetStrAssignment	String
+HiLink muttrcEmail		Special
+HiLink muttrcVariableInner	Special
+HiLink muttrcEscapedVariable	String
+HiLink muttrcHeader		Type
+HiLink muttrcKeySpecial	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcKey		Type
+HiLink muttrcKeyName		SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcVarBool		Identifier
+HiLink muttrcVarQuad		Identifier
+HiLink muttrcVarNum		Identifier
+HiLink muttrcVarStr		Identifier
+HiLink muttrcMenu		Identifier
+HiLink muttrcCommand		Keyword
+HiLink muttrcMacroDescr	String
+HiLink muttrcAction		Macro
+HiLink muttrcBadAction	Error
+HiLink muttrcBindFunction	Error
+HiLink muttrcBindMenuList	Error
+HiLink muttrcFunction		Macro
+HiLink muttrcGroupKeyword	muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcGroupLine	Error
+HiLink muttrcSubscribeKeyword	muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcSubscribeLine	Error
+HiLink muttrcListsKeyword	muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcListsLine	Error
+HiLink muttrcAlternateKeyword	muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcAlternatesLine	Error
+HiLink muttrcAttachmentsLine	muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcAttachmentsFlag	Type
+HiLink muttrcAttachmentsMimeType	String
+HiLink muttrcColorLine	Error
+HiLink muttrcColorContext	Error
+HiLink muttrcColorContextI	Identifier
+HiLink muttrcColorContextH	Identifier
+HiLink muttrcColorKeyword	muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcColorKeywordI	muttrcColorKeyword
+HiLink muttrcColorKeywordH	muttrcColorKeyword
+HiLink muttrcColorField	Identifier
+HiLink muttrcColor		Type
+HiLink muttrcColorFG		Error
+HiLink muttrcColorFGI		Error
+HiLink muttrcColorFGH		Error
+HiLink muttrcColorBG		Error
+HiLink muttrcColorBGI		Error
+HiLink muttrcColorBGH		Error
+HiLink muttrcMonoAttrib	muttrcColor
+HiLink muttrcMono		muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcSimplePat	Identifier
+HiLink muttrcSimplePatString	Macro
+HiLink muttrcSimplePatMetas	Special
+HiLink muttrcPattern		Error
+HiLink muttrcUnColorLine	Error
+HiLink muttrcUnColorKeyword	muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcUnColorIndex	Identifier
+HiLink muttrcShellString	muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcRXHooks		muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcRXHookNot	Type
+HiLink muttrcPatHooks		muttrcCommand
+HiLink muttrcPatHookNot	Type
+HiLink muttrcFormatConditionals2 Type
+HiLink muttrcIndexFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcIndexFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcIndexFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
+HiLink muttrcAliasFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcAliasFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcAttachFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcAttachFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcAttachFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
+HiLink muttrcComposeFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcComposeFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcFolderFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcFolderFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcFolderFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
+HiLink muttrcMixFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcMixFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcMixFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
+HiLink muttrcPGPFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcPGPFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcPGPFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
+HiLink muttrcPGPCmdFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcPGPCmdFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcPGPCmdFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
+HiLink muttrcStatusFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcStatusFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcStatusFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
+HiLink muttrcPGPGetKeysFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcPGPGetKeysFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcSmimeFormatStr	muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcSmimeFormatEscapes muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcSmimeFormatConditionals muttrcFormatConditionals2
+HiLink muttrcTimeEscapes	muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcPGPTimeEscapes	muttrcEscape
+HiLink muttrcStrftimeEscapes	Type
+HiLink muttrcStrftimeFormatStr muttrcString
+HiLink muttrcFormatErrors Error
 
-  HiLink muttrcBindFunctionNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcBindKeyNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcBindMenuListNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcMacroDescrNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcMacroBodyNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcMacroKeyNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcMacroMenuListNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcColorMatchCountNL SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcColorNL		SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcColorRXNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcColorBGNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcColorFGNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcAliasNameNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcAliasENNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcAliasNL		SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcUnAliasNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcAliasGroupDefNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcAliasEncEmailNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcPatternNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcUnColorPatNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcUnColorAPNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcUnColorIndexNL	SpecialChar
-  HiLink muttrcStringNL		SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcBindFunctionNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcBindKeyNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcBindMenuListNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcMacroDescrNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcMacroBodyNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcMacroKeyNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcMacroMenuListNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcColorMatchCountNL SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcColorNL		SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcColorRXNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcColorBGNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcColorFGNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcAliasNameNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcAliasENNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcAliasNL		SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcUnAliasNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcAliasGroupDefNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcAliasEncEmailNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcPatternNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcUnColorPatNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcUnColorAPNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcUnColorIndexNL	SpecialChar
+HiLink muttrcStringNL		SpecialChar
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "muttrc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/mysql.vim b/runtime/syntax/mysql.vim
index d7cf74710d..8d0361c220 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/mysql.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/mysql.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " URL:          ftp://cedar-solutions.com/software/mysql.vim
 " Note:         The definitions below are taken from the mysql user manual as of April 2002, for version 3.23
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -273,29 +270,21 @@ syn region mysqlFunction         start="weekday(" end=")" contains=ALL
 syn region mysqlFunction         start="yearweek(" end=")" contains=ALL
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_mysql_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_mysql_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink mysqlKeyword            Statement
-  HiLink mysqlSpecial            Special
-  HiLink mysqlString             String
-  HiLink mysqlNumber             Number
-  HiLink mysqlVariable           Identifier
-  HiLink mysqlComment            Comment
-  HiLink mysqlType               Type
-  HiLink mysqlOperator           Statement
-  HiLink mysqlFlow               Statement
-  HiLink mysqlFunction           Function
+HiLink mysqlKeyword            Statement
+HiLink mysqlSpecial            Special
+HiLink mysqlString             String
+HiLink mysqlNumber             Number
+HiLink mysqlVariable           Identifier
+HiLink mysqlComment            Comment
+HiLink mysqlType               Type
+HiLink mysqlOperator           Statement
+HiLink mysqlFlow               Statement
+HiLink mysqlFunction           Function
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "mysql"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/named.vim b/runtime/syntax/named.vim
index faec5f68e5..6d6cbd484d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/named.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/named.vim
@@ -11,25 +11,16 @@
 " This file could do with a lot of improvements, so comments are welcome.
 " Please submit the named.conf (segment) with any comments.
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 syn case match
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=.,-,48-58,A-Z,a-z,_
-else
-  set iskeyword=.,-,48-58,A-Z,a-z,_
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=.,-,48-58,A-Z,a-z,_
 
-if version >= 600
-  syn sync match namedSync grouphere NONE "^(zone|controls|acl|key)"
-endif
+syn sync match namedSync grouphere NONE "^(zone|controls|acl|key)"
 
 let s:save_cpo = &cpo
 set cpo-=C
@@ -197,48 +188,40 @@ syn match	namedEParenError	contained +{+
 syn match	namedParenError	+}\([^;]\|$\)+
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_named_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_named_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink namedComment	Comment
-  HiLink namedInclude	Include
-  HiLink namedKeyword	Keyword
-  HiLink namedIntKeyword	Keyword
-  HiLink namedIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink namedIntIdent	Identifier
+HiLink namedComment	Comment
+HiLink namedInclude	Include
+HiLink namedKeyword	Keyword
+HiLink namedIntKeyword	Keyword
+HiLink namedIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink namedIntIdent	Identifier
 
-  HiLink namedString	String
-  HiLink namedBool	Type
-  HiLink namedNotBool	Error
-  HiLink namedNumber	Number
-  HiLink namedNotNumber	Error
+HiLink namedString	String
+HiLink namedBool	Type
+HiLink namedNotBool	Error
+HiLink namedNumber	Number
+HiLink namedNotNumber	Error
 
-  HiLink namedOption	namedKeyword
-  HiLink namedLogOption	namedKeyword
-  HiLink namedCNOption	namedKeyword
-  HiLink namedQSKeywords	Type
-  HiLink namedCNKeywords	Type
-  HiLink namedLogCategory	Type
-  HiLink namedIPaddr	Number
-  HiLink namedDomain	Identifier
-  HiLink namedZoneOpt	namedKeyword
-  HiLink namedZoneType	Type
-  HiLink namedParenError	Error
-  HiLink namedEParenError	Error
-  HiLink namedIllegalDom	Error
-  HiLink namedIPerror	Error
-  HiLink namedSpareDot	Error
-  HiLink namedError	Error
+HiLink namedOption	namedKeyword
+HiLink namedLogOption	namedKeyword
+HiLink namedCNOption	namedKeyword
+HiLink namedQSKeywords	Type
+HiLink namedCNKeywords	Type
+HiLink namedLogCategory	Type
+HiLink namedIPaddr	Number
+HiLink namedDomain	Identifier
+HiLink namedZoneOpt	namedKeyword
+HiLink namedZoneType	Type
+HiLink namedParenError	Error
+HiLink namedEParenError	Error
+HiLink namedIllegalDom	Error
+HiLink namedIPerror	Error
+HiLink namedSpareDot	Error
+HiLink namedError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let &cpo = s:save_cpo
 unlet s:save_cpo
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/nasm.vim b/runtime/syntax/nasm.vim
index a6ed056650..0f81ceb5a9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/nasm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/nasm.vim
@@ -9,10 +9,8 @@
 
 
 " Setup Syntax:
-"  Clear old syntax settings
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 "  Assembler syntax is case insensetive
@@ -21,18 +19,10 @@ syn case ignore
 
 
 " Vim search and movement commands on identifers
-if version < 600
-  "  Comments at start of a line inside which to skip search for indentifiers
-  set comments=:;
-  "  Identifier Keyword characters (defines \k)
-  set iskeyword=@,48-57,#,$,.,?,@-@,_,~
-else
-  "  Comments at start of a line inside which to skip search for indentifiers
-  setlocal comments=:;
-  "  Identifier Keyword characters (defines \k)
-  setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,#,$,.,?,@-@,_,~
-endif
-
+"  Comments at start of a line inside which to skip search for indentifiers
+setlocal comments=:;
+"  Identifier Keyword characters (defines \k)
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,#,$,.,?,@-@,_,~
 
 
 " Comments:
@@ -431,96 +421,88 @@ syn sync match	nasmSync	grouphere NONE	       "^\s*%endmacro\>"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later  : only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_nasm_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_nasm_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " Sub Links:
-  HiLink nasmInMacDirective	nasmDirective
-  HiLink nasmInMacLabel		nasmLocalLabel
-  HiLink nasmInMacLblWarn	nasmLabelWarn
-  HiLink nasmInMacMacro		nasmMacro
-  HiLink nasmInMacParam		nasmMacro
-  HiLink nasmInMacParamNum	nasmDecNumber
-  HiLink nasmInMacPreCondit	nasmPreCondit
-  HiLink nasmInMacPreProc	nasmPreProc
-  HiLink nasmInPreCondit	nasmPreCondit
-  HiLink nasmInStructure	nasmStructure
-  HiLink nasmStructureLabel	nasmStructure
+" Sub Links:
+HiLink nasmInMacDirective	nasmDirective
+HiLink nasmInMacLabel		nasmLocalLabel
+HiLink nasmInMacLblWarn	nasmLabelWarn
+HiLink nasmInMacMacro		nasmMacro
+HiLink nasmInMacParam		nasmMacro
+HiLink nasmInMacParamNum	nasmDecNumber
+HiLink nasmInMacPreCondit	nasmPreCondit
+HiLink nasmInMacPreProc	nasmPreProc
+HiLink nasmInPreCondit	nasmPreCondit
+HiLink nasmInStructure	nasmStructure
+HiLink nasmStructureLabel	nasmStructure
 
-  " Comment Group:
-  HiLink nasmComment		Comment
-  HiLink nasmSpecialComment	SpecialComment
-  HiLink nasmInCommentTodo	Todo
+" Comment Group:
+HiLink nasmComment		Comment
+HiLink nasmSpecialComment	SpecialComment
+HiLink nasmInCommentTodo	Todo
 
-  " Constant Group:
-  HiLink nasmString		String
-  HiLink nasmStringError	Error
-  HiLink nasmBinNumber		Number
-  HiLink nasmOctNumber		Number
-  HiLink nasmDecNumber		Number
-  HiLink nasmHexNumber		Number
-  HiLink nasmFltNumber		Float
-  HiLink nasmNumberError	Error
+" Constant Group:
+HiLink nasmString		String
+HiLink nasmStringError	Error
+HiLink nasmBinNumber		Number
+HiLink nasmOctNumber		Number
+HiLink nasmDecNumber		Number
+HiLink nasmHexNumber		Number
+HiLink nasmFltNumber		Float
+HiLink nasmNumberError	Error
 
-  " Identifier Group:
-  HiLink nasmLabel		Identifier
-  HiLink nasmLocalLabel		Identifier
-  HiLink nasmSpecialLabel	Special
-  HiLink nasmLabelError		Error
-  HiLink nasmLabelWarn		Todo
+" Identifier Group:
+HiLink nasmLabel		Identifier
+HiLink nasmLocalLabel		Identifier
+HiLink nasmSpecialLabel	Special
+HiLink nasmLabelError		Error
+HiLink nasmLabelWarn		Todo
 
-  " PreProc Group:
-  HiLink nasmPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink nasmDefine		Define
-  HiLink nasmInclude		Include
-  HiLink nasmMacro		Macro
-  HiLink nasmPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink nasmPreProcError	Error
-  HiLink nasmPreProcWarn	Todo
+" PreProc Group:
+HiLink nasmPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink nasmDefine		Define
+HiLink nasmInclude		Include
+HiLink nasmMacro		Macro
+HiLink nasmPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink nasmPreProcError	Error
+HiLink nasmPreProcWarn	Todo
 
-  " Type Group:
-  HiLink nasmType		Type
-  HiLink nasmStorage		StorageClass
-  HiLink nasmStructure		Structure
-  HiLink nasmTypeError		Error
+" Type Group:
+HiLink nasmType		Type
+HiLink nasmStorage		StorageClass
+HiLink nasmStructure		Structure
+HiLink nasmTypeError		Error
 
-  " Directive Group:
-  HiLink nasmConstant		Constant
-  HiLink nasmInstrModifier	Operator
-  HiLink nasmRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink nasmDirective		Keyword
-  HiLink nasmStdDirective	Operator
-  HiLink nasmFmtDirective	Keyword
+" Directive Group:
+HiLink nasmConstant		Constant
+HiLink nasmInstrModifier	Operator
+HiLink nasmRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink nasmDirective		Keyword
+HiLink nasmStdDirective	Operator
+HiLink nasmFmtDirective	Keyword
 
-  " Register Group:
-  HiLink nasmCtrlRegister	Special
-  HiLink nasmDebugRegister	Debug
-  HiLink nasmTestRegister	Special
-  HiLink nasmRegisterError	Error
-  HiLink nasmMemRefError	Error
+" Register Group:
+HiLink nasmCtrlRegister	Special
+HiLink nasmDebugRegister	Debug
+HiLink nasmTestRegister	Special
+HiLink nasmRegisterError	Error
+HiLink nasmMemRefError	Error
 
-  " Instruction Group:
-  HiLink nasmStdInstruction	Statement
-  HiLink nasmSysInstruction	Statement
-  HiLink nasmDbgInstruction	Debug
-  HiLink nasmFpuInstruction	Statement
-  HiLink nasmMmxInstruction	Statement
-  HiLink nasmSseInstruction	Statement
-  HiLink nasmNowInstruction	Statement
-  HiLink nasmAmdInstruction	Special
-  HiLink nasmCrxInstruction	Special
-  HiLink nasmUndInstruction	Todo
-  HiLink nasmInstructnError	Error
+" Instruction Group:
+HiLink nasmStdInstruction	Statement
+HiLink nasmSysInstruction	Statement
+HiLink nasmDbgInstruction	Debug
+HiLink nasmFpuInstruction	Statement
+HiLink nasmMmxInstruction	Statement
+HiLink nasmSseInstruction	Statement
+HiLink nasmNowInstruction	Statement
+HiLink nasmAmdInstruction	Special
+HiLink nasmCrxInstruction	Special
+HiLink nasmUndInstruction	Todo
+HiLink nasmInstructnError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "nasm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/nastran.vim b/runtime/syntax/nastran.vim
index f7927693fa..34ad1bf378 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/nastran.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/nastran.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 "		Since DMAP shares some traits with fortran, this syntax file
 "		is based on the fortran.vim syntax file.
 "----------------------------------------------------------------------
-" Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-"syn clear
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 " DMAP is not case dependent
@@ -156,37 +153,30 @@ syn region nastranBulkData start=+ *[Bb][Uu][Ll][Kk] *$+ end=+^ [Ee][Nn][Dd] *[D
 syn keyword nastranUtilCard ECHOON ECHOOFF INCLUDE PARAM
 
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_nastran_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-     let did_nastran_syntax_inits = 1
-     command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-     command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  endif
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink nastranDmapexecmod	     Statement
-  HiLink nastranDmapType	     Type
-  HiLink nastranDmapPreCondit	     Error
-  HiLink nastranDmapUtilmod	     PreProc
-  HiLink nastranDmapMatmod	     nastranDmapUtilmod
-  HiLink nastranDmapString	     String
-  HiLink nastranDmapNumber	     Constant
-  HiLink nastranDmapFloat	     nastranDmapNumber
-  HiLink nastranDmapInitTab	     nastranDmapNumber
-  HiLink nastranDmapTab		     nastranDmapNumber
-  HiLink nastranDmapLogical	     nastranDmapExecmod
-  HiLink nastranDmapImplicit	     Identifier
-  HiLink nastranDmapComment	     Comment
-  HiLink nastranDmapRepeat	     nastranDmapexecmod
-  HiLink nastranNastranCard	     nastranDmapPreCondit
-  HiLink nastranECSCard		     nastranDmapUtilmod
-  HiLink nastranFMSCard		     nastranNastranCard
-  HiLink nastranCC		     nastranDmapexecmod
-  HiLink nastranDelimiter	     Special
-  HiLink nastranBulkData	     nastranDmapType
-  HiLink nastranUtilCard	     nastranDmapexecmod
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink nastranDmapexecmod	     Statement
+HiLink nastranDmapType	     Type
+HiLink nastranDmapPreCondit	     Error
+HiLink nastranDmapUtilmod	     PreProc
+HiLink nastranDmapMatmod	     nastranDmapUtilmod
+HiLink nastranDmapString	     String
+HiLink nastranDmapNumber	     Constant
+HiLink nastranDmapFloat	     nastranDmapNumber
+HiLink nastranDmapInitTab	     nastranDmapNumber
+HiLink nastranDmapTab		     nastranDmapNumber
+HiLink nastranDmapLogical	     nastranDmapExecmod
+HiLink nastranDmapImplicit	     Identifier
+HiLink nastranDmapComment	     Comment
+HiLink nastranDmapRepeat	     nastranDmapexecmod
+HiLink nastranNastranCard	     nastranDmapPreCondit
+HiLink nastranECSCard		     nastranDmapUtilmod
+HiLink nastranFMSCard		     nastranNastranCard
+HiLink nastranCC		     nastranDmapexecmod
+HiLink nastranDelimiter	     Special
+HiLink nastranBulkData	     nastranDmapType
+HiLink nastranUtilCard	     nastranDmapexecmod
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "nastran"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/natural.vim b/runtime/syntax/natural.vim
index 4fbc916be2..c94231d9f2 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/natural.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/natural.vim
@@ -6,16 +6,11 @@
 " Last Changed:	2012-02-05 18:50:43
 " Support:	http://www.von-oppen.com/
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when this syntax file was already loaded
-if v:version < 600
-  syntax clear
-  set iskeyword+=-,*,#,+,_,/
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
-else
-  setlocal iskeyword+=-,*,#,+,_,/
 endif
+setlocal iskeyword+=-,*,#,+,_,/
 
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ncf.vim b/runtime/syntax/ncf.vim
index 2019c03723..b458e630f2 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ncf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ncf.vim
@@ -4,10 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	Tue, 04 Sep 2001 16:20:33 CDT
 " $Id: ncf.vim,v 1.1 2004/06/13 16:31:58 vimboss Exp $
 
-" Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-if version < 600
-    syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -217,42 +215,35 @@ if exists("ncf_highlight_unknowns")
     syn match Error "[^ \t]*" contains=ALL
 endif
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ncf_syntax_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_ncf_syntax_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-    HiLink ncfCommands		Statement
-    HiLink ncfSetCommands	ncfCommands
-    HiLink ncfLogins		ncfCommands
-    HiLink ncfString		String
-    HiLink ncfContString	ncfString
-    HiLink ncfComment		Comment
-    HiLink ncfImplicit		Type
-    HiLink ncfBoolean		Boolean
-    HiLink ncfScript		Identifier
-    HiLink ncfNumber		Number
-    HiLink ncfIPAddr		ncfNumber
-    HiLink ncfHexNumber		ncfNumber
-    HiLink ncfTime		ncfNumber
-    HiLink ncfDSTTime		ncfNumber
-    HiLink ncfPath		Constant
-    HiLink ncfServerName	Special
-    HiLink ncfIPXNet		ncfServerName
-    HiLink ncfTimeTypes		Constant
-    HiLink ncfSetCommandsNum	   ncfSetCommands
-    HiLink ncfSetCommandsBool	   ncfSetCommands
-    HiLink ncfSetCommandsStr	   ncfSetCommands
-    HiLink ncfSetCommandsTime	   ncfSetCommands
-    HiLink ncfSetCommandsTimeDate  ncfSetCommands
-    HiLink ncfSetCommandsBindCon   ncfSetCommands
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink ncfCommands		Statement
+HiLink ncfSetCommands	ncfCommands
+HiLink ncfLogins		ncfCommands
+HiLink ncfString		String
+HiLink ncfContString	ncfString
+HiLink ncfComment		Comment
+HiLink ncfImplicit		Type
+HiLink ncfBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink ncfScript		Identifier
+HiLink ncfNumber		Number
+HiLink ncfIPAddr		ncfNumber
+HiLink ncfHexNumber		ncfNumber
+HiLink ncfTime		ncfNumber
+HiLink ncfDSTTime		ncfNumber
+HiLink ncfPath		Constant
+HiLink ncfServerName	Special
+HiLink ncfIPXNet		ncfServerName
+HiLink ncfTimeTypes		Constant
+HiLink ncfSetCommandsNum	   ncfSetCommands
+HiLink ncfSetCommandsBool	   ncfSetCommands
+HiLink ncfSetCommandsStr	   ncfSetCommands
+HiLink ncfSetCommandsTime	   ncfSetCommands
+HiLink ncfSetCommandsTimeDate  ncfSetCommands
+HiLink ncfSetCommandsBindCon   ncfSetCommands
 
-    delcommand HiLink
+delcommand HiLink
 
-endif
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ncf"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/netrw.vim b/runtime/syntax/netrw.vim
index 718cee1429..3d3aa993bd 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/netrw.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/netrw.vim
@@ -5,9 +5,8 @@
 " ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 " Syntax Clearing: {{{1
-if version < 600
- syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
  finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/nqc.vim b/runtime/syntax/nqc.vim
index 0a3cd6bc73..9105705241 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/nqc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/nqc.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.enotes.de/twiki/pub/Home/LegoMindstorms/nqc.vim
 " Filenames:	.nqc
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -326,52 +323,44 @@ endif
 exec "syn sync ccomment nqcComment minlines=" . nqc_minlines
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_nqc_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_nqc_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink nqcLabel		Label
-  HiLink nqcConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink nqcRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink nqcCharacter		Character
-  HiLink nqcNumber		Number
-  HiLink nqcFloat		Float
-  HiLink nqcFunction		Function
-  HiLink nqcParenError		nqcError
-  HiLink nqcErrInParen		nqcError
-  HiLink nqcErrInBracket	nqcError
-  HiLink nqcCommentL		nqcComment
-  HiLink nqcCommentStart	nqcComment
-  HiLink nqcCommentError	nqcError
-  HiLink nqcCommentStartError	nqcError
-  HiLink nqcSpaceError		nqcError
-  HiLink nqcStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink nqcInclude		Include
-  HiLink nqcPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink nqcDefine		Macro
-  HiLink nqcIncluded		String
-  HiLink nqcError		Error
-  HiLink nqcStatement		Statement
-  HiLink nqcEvents		Statement
-  HiLink nqcPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink nqcType		Type
-  HiLink nqcConstant		Constant
-  HiLink nqcCommentSkip		nqcComment
-  HiLink nqcComment		Comment
-  HiLink nqcTodo		Todo
-  HiLink nqcCppSkip		nqcCppOut
-  HiLink nqcCppOut2		nqcCppOut
-  HiLink nqcCppOut		Comment
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink nqcLabel		Label
+HiLink nqcConditional		Conditional
+HiLink nqcRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink nqcCharacter		Character
+HiLink nqcNumber		Number
+HiLink nqcFloat		Float
+HiLink nqcFunction		Function
+HiLink nqcParenError		nqcError
+HiLink nqcErrInParen		nqcError
+HiLink nqcErrInBracket	nqcError
+HiLink nqcCommentL		nqcComment
+HiLink nqcCommentStart	nqcComment
+HiLink nqcCommentError	nqcError
+HiLink nqcCommentStartError	nqcError
+HiLink nqcSpaceError		nqcError
+HiLink nqcStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink nqcInclude		Include
+HiLink nqcPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink nqcDefine		Macro
+HiLink nqcIncluded		String
+HiLink nqcError		Error
+HiLink nqcStatement		Statement
+HiLink nqcEvents		Statement
+HiLink nqcPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink nqcType		Type
+HiLink nqcConstant		Constant
+HiLink nqcCommentSkip		nqcComment
+HiLink nqcComment		Comment
+HiLink nqcTodo		Todo
+HiLink nqcCppSkip		nqcCppOut
+HiLink nqcCppOut2		nqcCppOut
+HiLink nqcCppOut		Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "nqc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/nroff.vim b/runtime/syntax/nroff.vim
index 280ba9e7d9..2619d02c44 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/nroff.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/nroff.vim
@@ -22,12 +22,9 @@
 "
 " {{{1 Start syntax highlighting.
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 "
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -197,65 +194,55 @@ syn keyword nroffTodo TODO XXX FIXME contained
 
 "
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
 "
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_nroff_syn_inits")
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	if version < 508
-		let did_nroff_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+HiLink nroffEscChar nroffSpecialChar
+HiLink nroffEscCharAr nroffSpecialChar
+HiLink nroffSpecialChar SpecialChar
+HiLink nroffSpace Delimiter
 
-	HiLink nroffEscChar nroffSpecialChar
-	HiLink nroffEscCharAr nroffSpecialChar
-	HiLink nroffSpecialChar SpecialChar
-	HiLink nroffSpace Delimiter
+HiLink nroffEscRegArg2 nroffEscRegArg
+HiLink nroffEscRegArg nroffIdent
 
-	HiLink nroffEscRegArg2 nroffEscRegArg
-	HiLink nroffEscRegArg nroffIdent
+HiLink nroffEscArg2 nroffEscArg
+HiLink nroffEscPar nroffEscape
 
-	HiLink nroffEscArg2 nroffEscArg
-	HiLink nroffEscPar nroffEscape
+HiLink nroffEscRegPar nroffEscape
+HiLink nroffEscArg nroffEscape
+HiLink nroffSize nroffEscape
+HiLink nroffEscape Preproc
 
-	HiLink nroffEscRegPar nroffEscape
-	HiLink nroffEscArg nroffEscape
-	HiLink nroffSize nroffEscape
-	HiLink nroffEscape Preproc
+HiLink nroffIgnore Comment
+HiLink nroffComment Comment
+HiLink nroffTodo Todo
 
-	HiLink nroffIgnore Comment
-	HiLink nroffComment Comment
-	HiLink nroffTodo Todo
+HiLink nroffReqLeader nroffRequest
+HiLink nroffReqName nroffRequest
+HiLink nroffRequest Statement
+HiLink nroffCond PreCondit
+HiLink nroffDefIdent nroffIdent
+HiLink nroffIdent Identifier
 
-	HiLink nroffReqLeader nroffRequest
-	HiLink nroffReqName nroffRequest
-	HiLink nroffRequest Statement
-	HiLink nroffCond PreCondit
-	HiLink nroffDefIdent nroffIdent
-	HiLink nroffIdent Identifier
+HiLink nroffEquation PreProc
+HiLink nroffTable PreProc
+HiLink nroffPicture PreProc
+HiLink nroffRefer PreProc
+HiLink nroffGrap PreProc
+HiLink nroffGremlin PreProc
 
-	HiLink nroffEquation PreProc
-	HiLink nroffTable PreProc
-	HiLink nroffPicture PreProc
-	HiLink nroffRefer PreProc
-	HiLink nroffGrap PreProc
-	HiLink nroffGremlin PreProc
+HiLink nroffNumber Number
+HiLink nroffBadChar nroffError
+HiLink nroffSpaceError nroffError
+HiLink nroffError Error
 
-	HiLink nroffNumber Number
-	HiLink nroffBadChar nroffError
-	HiLink nroffSpaceError nroffError
-	HiLink nroffError Error
+HiLink nroffPreserve String
+HiLink nroffString String
+HiLink nroffDefinition String
+HiLink nroffDefSpecial Special
 
-	HiLink nroffPreserve String
-	HiLink nroffString String
-	HiLink nroffDefinition String
-	HiLink nroffDefSpecial Special
-
-	delcommand HiLink
-
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "nroff"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/nsis.vim b/runtime/syntax/nsis.vim
index d6d803714e..8f3aa2507a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/nsis.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/nsis.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Alex Jakushev <Alex.Jakushev@kemek.lt>
 " Last Change:	2004 May 12
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -224,48 +221,38 @@ syn keyword nsisError		UninstallExeName
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_nsis_syn_inits")
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  if version < 508
-    let did_nsys_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+HiLink nsisInstruction		Function
+HiLink nsisComment			Comment
+HiLink nsisLocalLabel			Label
+HiLink nsisGlobalLabel		Label
+HiLink nsisStatement			Statement
+HiLink nsisString			String
+HiLink nsisBoolean			Boolean
+HiLink nsisAttribOptions		Constant
+HiLink nsisExecShell			Constant
+HiLink nsisFileAttrib			Constant
+HiLink nsisMessageBox			Constant
+HiLink nsisRegistry			Identifier
+HiLink nsisNumber			Number
+HiLink nsisError			Error
+HiLink nsisUserVar			Identifier
+HiLink nsisSysVar			Identifier
+HiLink nsisAttribute			Type
+HiLink nsisCompiler			Type
+HiLink nsisTodo			Todo
+HiLink nsisCallback			Operator
+" preprocessor commands
+HiLink nsisPreprocSubst		PreProc
+HiLink nsisDefine			Define
+HiLink nsisMacro			Macro
+HiLink nsisPreCondit			PreCondit
+HiLink nsisInclude			Include
+HiLink nsisSystem			PreProc
 
-
-  HiLink nsisInstruction		Function
-  HiLink nsisComment			Comment
-  HiLink nsisLocalLabel			Label
-  HiLink nsisGlobalLabel		Label
-  HiLink nsisStatement			Statement
-  HiLink nsisString			String
-  HiLink nsisBoolean			Boolean
-  HiLink nsisAttribOptions		Constant
-  HiLink nsisExecShell			Constant
-  HiLink nsisFileAttrib			Constant
-  HiLink nsisMessageBox			Constant
-  HiLink nsisRegistry			Identifier
-  HiLink nsisNumber			Number
-  HiLink nsisError			Error
-  HiLink nsisUserVar			Identifier
-  HiLink nsisSysVar			Identifier
-  HiLink nsisAttribute			Type
-  HiLink nsisCompiler			Type
-  HiLink nsisTodo			Todo
-  HiLink nsisCallback			Operator
-  " preprocessor commands
-  HiLink nsisPreprocSubst		PreProc
-  HiLink nsisDefine			Define
-  HiLink nsisMacro			Macro
-  HiLink nsisPreCondit			PreCondit
-  HiLink nsisInclude			Include
-  HiLink nsisSystem			PreProc
-
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "nsis"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/obj.vim b/runtime/syntax/obj.vim
index 66cd6c2bde..f2cd8a47a9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/obj.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/obj.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " File Types:	.obj (used in 3D)
 " Last Change:  2010 May 18
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -62,34 +59,26 @@ syn match       objInt          "\d\+"
 syn match       objIndex        "\d\+\/\d*\/\d*"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_cabal_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_cabal_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink objError           Error
-  HiLink objComment         Comment
-  HiLink objInclude         PreProc
-  HiLink objFloat           Float
-  HiLink objInt             Number
-  HiLink objGroup           Structure
-  HiLink objIndex           Constant
-  HiLink objMaterial        Label
+HiLink objError           Error
+HiLink objComment         Comment
+HiLink objInclude         PreProc
+HiLink objFloat           Float
+HiLink objInt             Number
+HiLink objGroup           Structure
+HiLink objIndex           Constant
+HiLink objMaterial        Label
 
-  HiLink objVertex          Keyword
-  HiLink objNormale         Keyword
-  HiLink objVertice         Keyword
-  HiLink objFace            Keyword
-  HiLink objKeywords        Keyword
+HiLink objVertex          Keyword
+HiLink objNormale         Keyword
+HiLink objVertice         Keyword
+HiLink objFace            Keyword
+HiLink objKeywords        Keyword
 
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "obj"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/objcpp.vim b/runtime/syntax/objcpp.vim
index e80eed900d..f11e307444 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/objcpp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/objcpp.vim
@@ -4,23 +4,15 @@
 " Ex-Maintainer:    Anthony Hodsdon <ahodsdon@fastmail.fm>
 " Last Change:	    2007 Oct 29
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
 " Read in C++ and ObjC syntax files
-if version < 600
-   so <sfile>:p:h/cpp.vim
-   so <sfile>:p:h/objc.vim
-else
-   runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
-   unlet b:current_syntax
-   runtime! syntax/objc.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cpp.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
+runtime! syntax/objc.vim
 
 syn keyword objCppNonStructure    class template namespace transparent contained
 syn keyword objCppNonStatement    new delete friend using transparent contained
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ocaml.vim b/runtime/syntax/ocaml.vim
index 24116f0e02..1884c31823 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ocaml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ocaml.vim
@@ -13,11 +13,8 @@
 " can be distinguished from begin/end, which is used for indentation,
 " and folding. (David Baelde)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax") && b:current_syntax == "ocaml"
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax") && b:current_syntax == "ocaml"
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -253,78 +250,70 @@ syn sync match ocamlSigSync     grouphere  ocamlSig     "\<sig\>"
 syn sync match ocamlSigSync     groupthere ocamlSig     "\<end\>"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ocaml_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ocaml_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink ocamlBraceErr	   Error
-  HiLink ocamlBrackErr	   Error
-  HiLink ocamlParenErr	   Error
-  HiLink ocamlArrErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlBraceErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlBrackErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlParenErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlArrErr	   Error
 
-  HiLink ocamlCommentErr   Error
+HiLink ocamlCommentErr   Error
 
-  HiLink ocamlCountErr	   Error
-  HiLink ocamlDoErr	   Error
-  HiLink ocamlDoneErr	   Error
-  HiLink ocamlEndErr	   Error
-  HiLink ocamlThenErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlCountErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlDoErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlDoneErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlEndErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlThenErr	   Error
 
-  HiLink ocamlCharErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlCharErr	   Error
 
-  HiLink ocamlErr	   Error
+HiLink ocamlErr	   Error
 
-  HiLink ocamlComment	   Comment
+HiLink ocamlComment	   Comment
 
-  HiLink ocamlModPath	   Include
-  HiLink ocamlObject	   Include
-  HiLink ocamlModule	   Include
-  HiLink ocamlModParam1    Include
-  HiLink ocamlModType	   Include
-  HiLink ocamlMPRestr3	   Include
-  HiLink ocamlFullMod	   Include
-  HiLink ocamlModTypeRestr Include
-  HiLink ocamlWith	   Include
-  HiLink ocamlMTDef	   Include
+HiLink ocamlModPath	   Include
+HiLink ocamlObject	   Include
+HiLink ocamlModule	   Include
+HiLink ocamlModParam1    Include
+HiLink ocamlModType	   Include
+HiLink ocamlMPRestr3	   Include
+HiLink ocamlFullMod	   Include
+HiLink ocamlModTypeRestr Include
+HiLink ocamlWith	   Include
+HiLink ocamlMTDef	   Include
 
-  HiLink ocamlScript	   Include
+HiLink ocamlScript	   Include
 
-  HiLink ocamlConstructor  Constant
+HiLink ocamlConstructor  Constant
 
-  HiLink ocamlVal          Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlModPreRHS    Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlMPRestr2	   Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlKeyword	   Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlMethod	   Include
-  HiLink ocamlFunDef	   Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlRefAssign    Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlKeyChar	   Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlAnyVar	   Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlTopStop	   Keyword
-  HiLink ocamlOperator	   Keyword
+HiLink ocamlVal          Keyword
+HiLink ocamlModPreRHS    Keyword
+HiLink ocamlMPRestr2	   Keyword
+HiLink ocamlKeyword	   Keyword
+HiLink ocamlMethod	   Include
+HiLink ocamlFunDef	   Keyword
+HiLink ocamlRefAssign    Keyword
+HiLink ocamlKeyChar	   Keyword
+HiLink ocamlAnyVar	   Keyword
+HiLink ocamlTopStop	   Keyword
+HiLink ocamlOperator	   Keyword
 
-  HiLink ocamlBoolean	   Boolean
-  HiLink ocamlCharacter    Character
-  HiLink ocamlNumber	   Number
-  HiLink ocamlFloat	   Float
-  HiLink ocamlString	   String
+HiLink ocamlBoolean	   Boolean
+HiLink ocamlCharacter    Character
+HiLink ocamlNumber	   Number
+HiLink ocamlFloat	   Float
+HiLink ocamlString	   String
 
-  HiLink ocamlLabel	   Identifier
+HiLink ocamlLabel	   Identifier
 
-  HiLink ocamlType	   Type
+HiLink ocamlType	   Type
 
-  HiLink ocamlTodo	   Todo
+HiLink ocamlTodo	   Todo
 
-  HiLink ocamlEncl	   Keyword
+HiLink ocamlEncl	   Keyword
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ocaml"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/occam.vim b/runtime/syntax/occam.vim
index 1c84bf00f6..bab84f2e18 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/occam.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/occam.vim
@@ -4,9 +4,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Mario Schweigler <ms44@kent.ac.uk>
 " Last Change:	24 May 2003
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -86,41 +85,34 @@ syn match occamCDString		/<\|>\|=\|(\|)/ contained
 
 syn region occamCDirective	start=/#\(USE\|INCLUDE\|PRAGMA\|DEFINE\|UNDEFINE\|UNDEF\|IF\|ELIF\|ELSE\|ENDIF\|WARNING\|ERROR\|RELAX\)\>/ end=/$/ contains=occamString,occamComment,occamCDString
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_occam_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_occam_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink occamType Type
-  HiLink occamKeyword Keyword
-  HiLink occamComment Comment
-  HiLink occamCommentTitle PreProc
-  HiLink occamTodo Todo
-  HiLink occamNote Todo
-  HiLink occamString String
-  HiLink occamCharString String
-  HiLink occamNumber Number
-  HiLink occamCDirective PreProc
-  HiLink occamCDString String
-  HiLink occamPPIdentifier PreProc
-  HiLink occamBoolean Boolean
-  HiLink occamSpecialChar SpecialChar
-  HiLink occamChar Character
-  HiLink occamStructure Structure
-  HiLink occamIdentifier Identifier
-  HiLink occamConstant Constant
-  HiLink occamOperator Operator
-  HiLink occamFunction Ignore
-  HiLink occamRepeat Repeat
-  HiLink occamConditional Conditional
-  HiLink occamBrackets Type
-  HiLink occamParantheses Delimiter
+HiLink occamType Type
+HiLink occamKeyword Keyword
+HiLink occamComment Comment
+HiLink occamCommentTitle PreProc
+HiLink occamTodo Todo
+HiLink occamNote Todo
+HiLink occamString String
+HiLink occamCharString String
+HiLink occamNumber Number
+HiLink occamCDirective PreProc
+HiLink occamCDString String
+HiLink occamPPIdentifier PreProc
+HiLink occamBoolean Boolean
+HiLink occamSpecialChar SpecialChar
+HiLink occamChar Character
+HiLink occamStructure Structure
+HiLink occamIdentifier Identifier
+HiLink occamConstant Constant
+HiLink occamOperator Operator
+HiLink occamFunction Ignore
+HiLink occamRepeat Repeat
+HiLink occamConditional Conditional
+HiLink occamBrackets Type
+HiLink occamParantheses Delimiter
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "occam"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/omnimark.vim b/runtime/syntax/omnimark.vim
index 698b3c09fb..9887352a68 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/omnimark.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/omnimark.vim
@@ -3,19 +3,12 @@
 " Maintainer:	Paul Terray <mailto:terray@4dconcept.fr>
 " Last Change:	11 Oct 2000
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,128-167,224-235,-
-else
-  setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,128-167,224-235,-
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,128-167,224-235,-
 
 syn keyword omnimarkKeywords	ACTIVATE AGAIN
 syn keyword omnimarkKeywords	CATCH CLEAR CLOSE COPY COPY-CLEAR CROSS-TRANSLATE
@@ -96,26 +89,18 @@ syn match  omnimarkEscape contained +%[0-9][0-9]#+
 syn sync minlines=2000
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_omnimark_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_omnimark_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink omnimarkCommands		Statement
-  HiLink omnimarkKeywords		Identifier
-  HiLink omnimarkString		String
-  HiLink omnimarkPatterns		Macro
+HiLink omnimarkCommands		Statement
+HiLink omnimarkKeywords		Identifier
+HiLink omnimarkString		String
+HiLink omnimarkPatterns		Macro
 "  HiLink omnimarkNumber			Number
-  HiLink omnimarkComment		Comment
-  HiLink omnimarkEscape		Special
+HiLink omnimarkComment		Comment
+HiLink omnimarkEscape		Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "omnimark"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/openroad.vim b/runtime/syntax/openroad.vim
index 3f9a78d552..6d2affca9b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/openroad.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/openroad.vim
@@ -3,12 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Luis Moreno <lmoreno@eresmas.net>
 " Last change:	2001 Jun 12
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-"
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -235,32 +231,24 @@ else
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
 "
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_openroad_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_openroad_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink openroadKeyword	Statement
-	HiLink openroadNumber	Number
-	HiLink openroadString	String
-	HiLink openroadComment	Comment
-	HiLink openroadOperator	Operator
-	HiLink openroadType		Type
-	HiLink openroadFunc		Special
-	HiLink openroadClass	Type
-	HiLink openroadEvent	Statement
-	HiLink openroadConst	Constant
-	HiLink openroadVar		Identifier
-	HiLink openroadIdent	Identifier
-	HiLink openroadTodo		Todo
+HiLink openroadKeyword	Statement
+HiLink openroadNumber	Number
+HiLink openroadString	String
+HiLink openroadComment	Comment
+HiLink openroadOperator	Operator
+HiLink openroadType		Type
+HiLink openroadFunc		Special
+HiLink openroadClass	Type
+HiLink openroadEvent	Statement
+HiLink openroadConst	Constant
+HiLink openroadVar		Identifier
+HiLink openroadIdent	Identifier
+HiLink openroadTodo		Todo
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "openroad"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/opl.vim b/runtime/syntax/opl.vim
index 1b07e3596c..8959cf6d6f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/opl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/opl.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 
 " Open Psion Language... (EPOC16/EPOC32)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -75,25 +72,17 @@ syn region  OPLComment		start="REM[\t ]" end="$"
 syn match   OPLMathsOperator    "-\|=\|[:<>+\*^/\\]"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_OPL_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_OPL_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink OPLStatement		Statement
-  HiLink OPLNumber		Number
-  HiLink OPLString		String
-  HiLink OPLComment		Comment
-  HiLink OPLMathsOperator	Conditional
+HiLink OPLStatement		Statement
+HiLink OPLNumber		Number
+HiLink OPLString		String
+HiLink OPLComment		Comment
+HiLink OPLMathsOperator	Conditional
 "  HiLink OPLError		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "opl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ora.vim b/runtime/syntax/ora.vim
index bf5d3220a0..e84299a53b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ora.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ora.vim
@@ -11,10 +11,8 @@
 "   sqlnet-ora and tnsnames.ora; since will not cause(?) problems
 "   is easier to follow separately each file's keywords)
 
-" Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around, if needed
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -437,36 +435,26 @@ syn cluster oraAll add=oraValue,oraModifier,oraString,oraSpecial,oraComment
 "==============================================================================
 " highlighting
 
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ora_syn_inits")
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ora_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+HiLink oraKeyword	  Statement		"usual keywords
+HiLink oraKeywordGroup  Type			"keywords which group other keywords
+HiLink oraKeywordPref   oraKeywordGroup	"keywords which act as prefixes
+HiLink oraKeywordObs	  Todo			"obsolete keywords
+HiLink oraKeywordUnd	  PreProc		"undocumented keywords
+HiLink oraKeywordUndObs oraKeywordObs		"undocumented obsolete keywords
+HiLink oraValue	  Identifier		"values, like true or false
+HiLink oraModifier	  oraValue		"modifies values
+HiLink oraString	  String		"strings
 
-  HiLink oraKeyword	  Statement		"usual keywords
-  HiLink oraKeywordGroup  Type			"keywords which group other keywords
-  HiLink oraKeywordPref   oraKeywordGroup	"keywords which act as prefixes
-  HiLink oraKeywordObs	  Todo			"obsolete keywords
-  HiLink oraKeywordUnd	  PreProc		"undocumented keywords
-  HiLink oraKeywordUndObs oraKeywordObs		"undocumented obsolete keywords
-  HiLink oraValue	  Identifier		"values, like true or false
-  HiLink oraModifier	  oraValue		"modifies values
-  HiLink oraString	  String		"strings
+HiLink oraSpecial	  Special		"special characters
+HiLink oraError	  Error			"errors
+HiLink oraParenError	  oraError		"errors caused by mismatching parantheses
 
-  HiLink oraSpecial	  Special		"special characters
-  HiLink oraError	  Error			"errors
-  HiLink oraParenError	  oraError		"errors caused by mismatching parantheses
-
-  HiLink oraComment	  Comment		"comments
-
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink oraComment	  Comment		"comments
 
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ora"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/papp.vim b/runtime/syntax/papp.vim
index d86dce603f..5b65f05cf4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/papp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/papp.vim
@@ -14,41 +14,24 @@
 
 " pod is, btw, allowed everywhere, which is actually wrong :(
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " source is basically xml, with included html (this is common) and perl bits
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/xml.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/xml.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/xml.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 if exists("papp_include_html")
-  if version < 600
-    syn include @PAppHtml <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-  else
-    syn include @PAppHtml syntax/html.vim
-  endif
+  syn include @PAppHtml syntax/html.vim
   unlet b:current_syntax
   syntax spell default  " added by Bram
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  syn include @PAppPerl <sfile>:p:h/perl.vim
-else
-  syn include @PAppPerl syntax/perl.vim
-endif
+syn include @PAppPerl syntax/perl.vim
 
-if v:version >= 600
-   syn cluster xmlFoldCluster add=papp_perl,papp_xperl,papp_phtml,papp_pxml,papp_perlPOD
-endif
+syn cluster xmlFoldCluster add=papp_perl,papp_xperl,papp_phtml,papp_pxml,papp_perlPOD
 
 " preprocessor commands
 syn region papp_prep matchgroup=papp_prep start="^#\s*\(if\|elsif\)" end="$" keepend contains=@perlExpr contained
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pascal.vim b/runtime/syntax/pascal.vim
index d2b6060acc..4a290f059d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pascal.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pascal.vim
@@ -12,11 +12,8 @@
 "	Austin Ziegler <austin@halostatue.ca>,
 "	Markus Koenig <markus@stber-koenig.de>
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -320,52 +317,44 @@ if !exists("pascal_traditional")
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pascal_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_pascal_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink pascalAcces		pascalStatement
-  HiLink pascalBoolean		Boolean
-  HiLink pascalComment		Comment
-  HiLink pascalConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink pascalConstant		Constant
-  HiLink pascalDelimiter	Identifier
-  HiLink pascalDirective	pascalStatement
-  HiLink pascalException	Exception
-  HiLink pascalFloat		Float
-  HiLink pascalFunction		Function
-  HiLink pascalLabel		Label
-  HiLink pascalMatrixDelimiter	Identifier
-  HiLink pascalModifier		Type
-  HiLink pascalNumber		Number
-  HiLink pascalOperator		Operator
-  HiLink pascalPredefined	pascalStatement
-  HiLink pascalPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink pascalRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink pascalSpaceError	Error
-  HiLink pascalStatement	Statement
-  HiLink pascalString		String
-  HiLink pascalStringEscape	Special
-  HiLink pascalStringEscapeGPC	Special
-  HiLink pascalStringError	Error
-  HiLink pascalStruct		pascalStatement
-  HiLink pascalSymbolOperator	pascalOperator
-  HiLink pascalTodo		Todo
-  HiLink pascalType		Type
-  HiLink pascalUnclassified	pascalStatement
-  "  HiLink pascalAsm		Assembler
-  HiLink pascalError		Error
-  HiLink pascalAsmKey		pascalStatement
-  HiLink pascalShowTab		Error
+HiLink pascalAcces		pascalStatement
+HiLink pascalBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink pascalComment		Comment
+HiLink pascalConditional	Conditional
+HiLink pascalConstant		Constant
+HiLink pascalDelimiter	Identifier
+HiLink pascalDirective	pascalStatement
+HiLink pascalException	Exception
+HiLink pascalFloat		Float
+HiLink pascalFunction		Function
+HiLink pascalLabel		Label
+HiLink pascalMatrixDelimiter	Identifier
+HiLink pascalModifier		Type
+HiLink pascalNumber		Number
+HiLink pascalOperator		Operator
+HiLink pascalPredefined	pascalStatement
+HiLink pascalPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink pascalRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink pascalSpaceError	Error
+HiLink pascalStatement	Statement
+HiLink pascalString		String
+HiLink pascalStringEscape	Special
+HiLink pascalStringEscapeGPC	Special
+HiLink pascalStringError	Error
+HiLink pascalStruct		pascalStatement
+HiLink pascalSymbolOperator	pascalOperator
+HiLink pascalTodo		Todo
+HiLink pascalType		Type
+HiLink pascalUnclassified	pascalStatement
+"  HiLink pascalAsm		Assembler
+HiLink pascalError		Error
+HiLink pascalAsmKey		pascalStatement
+HiLink pascalShowTab		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pascal"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pcap.vim b/runtime/syntax/pcap.vim
index 17d0d42c0b..7c97738520 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pcap.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pcap.vim
@@ -4,20 +4,13 @@
 "		Modified by Bram
 " Last Change:	2003 May 11
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 "define keywords
-if version < 600
-  set isk=@,46-57,_,-,#,=,192-255
-else
-  setlocal isk=@,46-57,_,-,#,=,192-255
-endif
+setlocal isk=@,46-57,_,-,#,=,192-255
 
 "first all the bad guys
 syn match pcapBad '^.\+$'	       "define any line as bad
@@ -43,22 +36,14 @@ syn sync minlines=50
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pcap_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_pcap_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink pcapBad WarningMsg
-  HiLink pcapBadword WarningMsg
-  HiLink pcapComment Comment
+HiLink pcapBad WarningMsg
+HiLink pcapBadword WarningMsg
+HiLink pcapComment Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pcap"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pccts.vim b/runtime/syntax/pccts.vim
index 8341f5bd43..5ddc570bbe 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pccts.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pccts.vim
@@ -3,20 +3,13 @@
 " Maintainer:	Scott Bigham <dsb@killerbunnies.org>
 " Last Change:	10 Aug 1999
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C++ syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  syn include @cppTopLevel <sfile>:p:h/cpp.vim
-else
-  syn include @cppTopLevel syntax/cpp.vim
-endif
+syn include @cppTopLevel syntax/cpp.vim
 
 syn region pcctsAction matchgroup=pcctsDelim start="<<" end=">>?\=" contains=@cppTopLevel,pcctsRuleRef
 
@@ -72,34 +65,26 @@ syn sync match pcctsSyncRule grouphere pcctsRule "\<[a-z][A-Za-z0-9_]*\>\s*\[[^]
 syn sync match pcctsSyncRule grouphere pcctsRule "\<[a-z][A-Za-z0-9_]*\>\(\s*\[[^]]*\]\)\=\s*>\s*\[[^]]*\]\s*:"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pccts_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_pccts_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink pcctsDelim		Special
-  HiLink pcctsTokenName		Identifier
-  HiLink pcctsRuleName		Statement
-  HiLink pcctsLabelHack		Label
-  HiLink pcctsDirective		PreProc
-  HiLink pcctsString		String
-  HiLink pcctsComment		Comment
-  HiLink pcctsClass		Statement
-  HiLink pcctsClassName		Identifier
-  HiLink pcctsException		Statement
-  HiLink pcctsExceptionHandler	Keyword
-  HiLink pcctsExceptionRuleRef	pcctsDelim
-  HiLink pcctsExceptionID	Identifier
-  HiLink pcctsRuleRef		Identifier
-  HiLink pcctsSpecialChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink pcctsDelim		Special
+HiLink pcctsTokenName		Identifier
+HiLink pcctsRuleName		Statement
+HiLink pcctsLabelHack		Label
+HiLink pcctsDirective		PreProc
+HiLink pcctsString		String
+HiLink pcctsComment		Comment
+HiLink pcctsClass		Statement
+HiLink pcctsClassName		Identifier
+HiLink pcctsException		Statement
+HiLink pcctsExceptionHandler	Keyword
+HiLink pcctsExceptionRuleRef	pcctsDelim
+HiLink pcctsExceptionID	Identifier
+HiLink pcctsRuleRef		Identifier
+HiLink pcctsSpecialChar	SpecialChar
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pccts"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/perl6.vim b/runtime/syntax/perl6.vim
index 3d82ced89f..f40a040a45 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/perl6.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/perl6.vim
@@ -61,11 +61,8 @@
 "  unlet perl6_extended_q
 "  unlet perl6_extended_all
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 let s:keepcpo= &cpo
@@ -2063,176 +2060,168 @@ syn region p6PodFormatFrench
     \ contains=p6PodFormatAnglesFrench,p6PodFormatFrench,p6PodFormatOne,p6PodFormatTwo,p6PodFormatThree,p6PodVerticalBar,p6PodSemiColon,p6PodComma
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_perl6_syntax_inits")
-    if version < 508
-        let did_perl6_syntax_inits = 1
-        command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-        command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink p6EscOctOld       p6Error
-    HiLink p6PackageTwigil   p6Twigil
-    HiLink p6StringAngle     p6String
-    HiLink p6StringFrench    p6String
-    HiLink p6StringAngles    p6String
-    HiLink p6StringSQ        p6String
-    HiLink p6StringDQ        p6String
-    HiLink p6StringQ         p6String
-    HiLink p6RxStringSQ      p6String
-    HiLink p6RxStringDQ      p6String
-    HiLink p6Substitution    p6String
-    HiLink p6Transliteration p6String
-    HiLink p6StringAuto      p6String
-    HiLink p6StringP5Auto    p6String
-    HiLink p6Key             p6String
-    HiLink p6Match           p6String
-    HiLink p6RegexBlock      p6String
-    HiLink p6RxP5CharClass   p6String
-    HiLink p6RxP5QuoteMeta   p6String
-    HiLink p6RxCharClass     p6String
-    HiLink p6RxQuoteWords    p6String
-    HiLink p6ReduceOp        p6Operator
-    HiLink p6ReverseCrossOp  p6Operator
-    HiLink p6HyperOp         p6Operator
-    HiLink p6QuoteQ          p6Operator
-    HiLink p6RxRange         p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxAnchor        p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5Anchor      p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6CodePoint       p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxMeta          p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5Range       p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5CPId        p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5Posix       p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5Mod         p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5HexSeq      p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5OctSeq      p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5WriteRefId  p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6HexSequence     p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6OctSequence     p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5Named       p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5PropId      p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5Quantifier  p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5CountId     p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6RxP5Verb        p6StringSpecial
-    HiLink p6Escape          p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscNull         p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscHash         p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscQQ           p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscQuote        p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscDoubleQuote  p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscBackTick     p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscForwardSlash p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscVerticalBar  p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscExclamation  p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscDollar       p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscOpenCurly    p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscCloseCurly   p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscCloseBracket p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscCloseAngle   p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscCloseFrench  p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6EscBackSlash    p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxEscape        p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxCapture       p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxAlternation   p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5            p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5ReadRef     p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5Oct         p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5Hex         p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5EscMeta     p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5Meta        p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5Escape      p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5CodePoint   p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5WriteRef    p6StringSpecial2
-    HiLink p6RxP5Prop        p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscOctOld       p6Error
+HiLink p6PackageTwigil   p6Twigil
+HiLink p6StringAngle     p6String
+HiLink p6StringFrench    p6String
+HiLink p6StringAngles    p6String
+HiLink p6StringSQ        p6String
+HiLink p6StringDQ        p6String
+HiLink p6StringQ         p6String
+HiLink p6RxStringSQ      p6String
+HiLink p6RxStringDQ      p6String
+HiLink p6Substitution    p6String
+HiLink p6Transliteration p6String
+HiLink p6StringAuto      p6String
+HiLink p6StringP5Auto    p6String
+HiLink p6Key             p6String
+HiLink p6Match           p6String
+HiLink p6RegexBlock      p6String
+HiLink p6RxP5CharClass   p6String
+HiLink p6RxP5QuoteMeta   p6String
+HiLink p6RxCharClass     p6String
+HiLink p6RxQuoteWords    p6String
+HiLink p6ReduceOp        p6Operator
+HiLink p6ReverseCrossOp  p6Operator
+HiLink p6HyperOp         p6Operator
+HiLink p6QuoteQ          p6Operator
+HiLink p6RxRange         p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxAnchor        p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5Anchor      p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6CodePoint       p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxMeta          p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5Range       p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5CPId        p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5Posix       p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5Mod         p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5HexSeq      p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5OctSeq      p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5WriteRefId  p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6HexSequence     p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6OctSequence     p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5Named       p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5PropId      p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5Quantifier  p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5CountId     p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6RxP5Verb        p6StringSpecial
+HiLink p6Escape          p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscNull         p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscHash         p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscQQ           p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscQuote        p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscDoubleQuote  p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscBackTick     p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscForwardSlash p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscVerticalBar  p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscExclamation  p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscDollar       p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscOpenCurly    p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscCloseCurly   p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscCloseBracket p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscCloseAngle   p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscCloseFrench  p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6EscBackSlash    p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxEscape        p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxCapture       p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxAlternation   p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5            p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5ReadRef     p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5Oct         p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5Hex         p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5EscMeta     p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5Meta        p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5Escape      p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5CodePoint   p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5WriteRef    p6StringSpecial2
+HiLink p6RxP5Prop        p6StringSpecial2
 
-    HiLink p6Property       Tag
-    HiLink p6Attention      Todo
-    HiLink p6Type           Type
-    HiLink p6Error          Error
-    HiLink p6BlockLabel     Label
-    HiLink p6Float          Float
-    HiLink p6Normal         Normal
-    HiLink p6Package        Normal
-    HiLink p6PackageScope   Normal
-    HiLink p6Number         Number
-    HiLink p6VersionNum     Number
-    HiLink p6String         String
-    HiLink p6Repeat         Repeat
-    HiLink p6Keyword        Keyword
-    HiLink p6Pragma         Keyword
-    HiLink p6Module         Keyword
-    HiLink p6DeclareRoutine Keyword
-    HiLink p6VarStorage     Special
-    HiLink p6FlowControl    Special
-    HiLink p6NumberBase     Special
-    HiLink p6Twigil         Special
-    HiLink p6StringSpecial2 Special
-    HiLink p6VersionDot     Special
-    HiLink p6Comment        Comment
-    HiLink p6Include        Include
-    HiLink p6Shebang        PreProc
-    HiLink p6ClosureTrait   PreProc
-    HiLink p6Routine        Function
-    HiLink p6Operator       Operator
-    HiLink p6Version        Operator
-    HiLink p6Context        Operator
-    HiLink p6Quote          Delimiter
-    HiLink p6TypeConstraint PreCondit
-    HiLink p6Exception      Exception
-    HiLink p6Placeholder    Identifier
-    HiLink p6Variable       Identifier
-    HiLink p6VarSlash       Identifier
-    HiLink p6VarNum         Identifier
-    HiLink p6VarExclam      Identifier
-    HiLink p6VarMatch       Identifier
-    HiLink p6VarName        Identifier
-    HiLink p6MatchVar       Identifier
-    HiLink p6RxP5ReadRefId  Identifier
-    HiLink p6RxP5ModDef     Identifier
-    HiLink p6RxP5ModName    Identifier
-    HiLink p6Conditional    Conditional
-    HiLink p6StringSpecial  SpecialChar
+HiLink p6Property       Tag
+HiLink p6Attention      Todo
+HiLink p6Type           Type
+HiLink p6Error          Error
+HiLink p6BlockLabel     Label
+HiLink p6Float          Float
+HiLink p6Normal         Normal
+HiLink p6Package        Normal
+HiLink p6PackageScope   Normal
+HiLink p6Number         Number
+HiLink p6VersionNum     Number
+HiLink p6String         String
+HiLink p6Repeat         Repeat
+HiLink p6Keyword        Keyword
+HiLink p6Pragma         Keyword
+HiLink p6Module         Keyword
+HiLink p6DeclareRoutine Keyword
+HiLink p6VarStorage     Special
+HiLink p6FlowControl    Special
+HiLink p6NumberBase     Special
+HiLink p6Twigil         Special
+HiLink p6StringSpecial2 Special
+HiLink p6VersionDot     Special
+HiLink p6Comment        Comment
+HiLink p6Include        Include
+HiLink p6Shebang        PreProc
+HiLink p6ClosureTrait   PreProc
+HiLink p6Routine        Function
+HiLink p6Operator       Operator
+HiLink p6Version        Operator
+HiLink p6Context        Operator
+HiLink p6Quote          Delimiter
+HiLink p6TypeConstraint PreCondit
+HiLink p6Exception      Exception
+HiLink p6Placeholder    Identifier
+HiLink p6Variable       Identifier
+HiLink p6VarSlash       Identifier
+HiLink p6VarNum         Identifier
+HiLink p6VarExclam      Identifier
+HiLink p6VarMatch       Identifier
+HiLink p6VarName        Identifier
+HiLink p6MatchVar       Identifier
+HiLink p6RxP5ReadRefId  Identifier
+HiLink p6RxP5ModDef     Identifier
+HiLink p6RxP5ModName    Identifier
+HiLink p6Conditional    Conditional
+HiLink p6StringSpecial  SpecialChar
 
-    HiLink p6PodAbbr         p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodAbbrEOF      p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodAbbrNoCode   p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodAbbrCode     p6PodCode
-    HiLink p6PodPara         p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodParaEOF      p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodParaNoCode   p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodParaCode     p6PodCode
-    HiLink p6PodDelim        p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodDelimEOF     p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodDelimNoCode  p6Pod
-    HiLink p6PodDelimCode    p6PodCode
-    HiLink p6PodImplicitCode p6PodCode
-    HiLink p6PodExtraConfig  p6PodPrefix
-    HiLink p6PodVerticalBar  p6PodFormatCode
-    HiLink p6PodColon        p6PodFormatCode
-    HiLink p6PodSemicolon    p6PodFormatCode
-    HiLink p6PodComma        p6PodFormatCode
-    HiLink p6PodFormatOne    p6PodFormat
-    HiLink p6PodFormatTwo    p6PodFormat
-    HiLink p6PodFormatThree  p6PodFormat
-    HiLink p6PodFormatFrench p6PodFormat
+HiLink p6PodAbbr         p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodAbbrEOF      p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodAbbrNoCode   p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodAbbrCode     p6PodCode
+HiLink p6PodPara         p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodParaEOF      p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodParaNoCode   p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodParaCode     p6PodCode
+HiLink p6PodDelim        p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodDelimEOF     p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodDelimNoCode  p6Pod
+HiLink p6PodDelimCode    p6PodCode
+HiLink p6PodImplicitCode p6PodCode
+HiLink p6PodExtraConfig  p6PodPrefix
+HiLink p6PodVerticalBar  p6PodFormatCode
+HiLink p6PodColon        p6PodFormatCode
+HiLink p6PodSemicolon    p6PodFormatCode
+HiLink p6PodComma        p6PodFormatCode
+HiLink p6PodFormatOne    p6PodFormat
+HiLink p6PodFormatTwo    p6PodFormat
+HiLink p6PodFormatThree  p6PodFormat
+HiLink p6PodFormatFrench p6PodFormat
 
-    HiLink p6PodType           Type
-    HiLink p6PodConfigOption   String
-    HiLink p6PodCode           PreProc
-    HiLink p6Pod               Comment
-    HiLink p6PodComment        Comment
-    HiLink p6PodAutoQuote      Operator
-    HiLink p6PodConfigOperator Operator
-    HiLink p6PodPrefix         Statement
-    HiLink p6PodName           Identifier
-    HiLink p6PodFormatCode     SpecialChar
-    HiLink p6PodFormat         SpecialComment
+HiLink p6PodType           Type
+HiLink p6PodConfigOption   String
+HiLink p6PodCode           PreProc
+HiLink p6Pod               Comment
+HiLink p6PodComment        Comment
+HiLink p6PodAutoQuote      Operator
+HiLink p6PodConfigOperator Operator
+HiLink p6PodPrefix         Statement
+HiLink p6PodName           Identifier
+HiLink p6PodFormatCode     SpecialChar
+HiLink p6PodFormat         SpecialComment
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 " Syncing to speed up processing
 "syn sync match p6SyncPod groupthere p6PodAbbrRegion     "^=\K\k*\>"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pfmain.vim b/runtime/syntax/pfmain.vim
index 32ed6975c0..794aa5dc23 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pfmain.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pfmain.vim
@@ -7,17 +7,12 @@
 " URL:		http://cern.ch/fuji/vim/syntax/pfmain.vim
 " Comment:	Based on Postfix 2.12/3.0 postconf.5.html.
 
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-	setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
-else
-	set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-
 
 syntax case match
 syntax sync minlines=1
@@ -1816,33 +1811,26 @@ syntax match pfmainSpecial	"\<smtpd\>"
 syntax match pfmainSpecial	"\<trace\>"
 syntax match pfmainSpecial	"\<verify\>"
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("pfmain_syntax_init")
-	if version < 508
-		let pfmain_syntax_init = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink pfmainConf	Statement
-	HiLink pfmainRef	PreProc
-	HiLink pfmainWord	identifier
+HiLink pfmainConf	Statement
+HiLink pfmainRef	PreProc
+HiLink pfmainWord	identifier
 
-	HiLink pfmainDict	Type
-	HiLink pfmainQueueDir	Constant
-	HiLink pfmainTransport	Constant
-	HiLink pfmainLock	Constant
-	HiLink pfmainAnswer	Constant
+HiLink pfmainDict	Type
+HiLink pfmainQueueDir	Constant
+HiLink pfmainTransport	Constant
+HiLink pfmainLock	Constant
+HiLink pfmainAnswer	Constant
 
-	HiLink pfmainComment	Comment
-	HiLink pfmainNumber	Number
-	HiLink pfmainTime	Number
-	HiLink pfmainIP		Number
-	HiLink pfmainVariable	Error
-	HiLink pfmainSpecial	Special
+HiLink pfmainComment	Comment
+HiLink pfmainNumber	Number
+HiLink pfmainTime	Number
+HiLink pfmainIP		Number
+HiLink pfmainVariable	Error
+HiLink pfmainSpecial	Special
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pfmain"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/php.vim b/runtime/syntax/php.vim
index ae3f82d64a..a1b658e17a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/php.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/php.vim
@@ -55,11 +55,8 @@
 "    ii) Same problem if you are setting php_folding = 2 with a closing
 "        } inside an string on the first line of this string.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -67,16 +64,8 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax = 'php'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  unlet! php_folding
-  if exists("php_sync_method") && !php_sync_method
-    let php_sync_method=-1
-  endif
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " accept old options
 if !exists("php_sync_method")
@@ -94,11 +83,7 @@ endif
 
 syn cluster htmlPreproc add=phpRegion,phpRegionAsp,phpRegionSc
 
-if version < 600
-  syn include @sqlTop <sfile>:p:h/sql.vim
-else
-  syn include @sqlTop syntax/sql.vim
-endif
+syn include @sqlTop syntax/sql.vim
 syn sync clear
 unlet b:current_syntax
 syn cluster sqlTop remove=sqlString,sqlComment
@@ -381,15 +366,8 @@ if exists("php_parent_error_open")
 else
   syn region  phpComment  start="/\*" end="\*/" contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell extend
 endif
-if version >= 600
-  syn match phpComment  "#.\{-}\(?>\|$\)\@="  contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell
-  syn match phpComment  "//.\{-}\(?>\|$\)\@=" contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell
-else
-  syn match phpComment  "#.\{-}$" contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell
-  syn match phpComment  "#.\{-}?>"me=e-2  contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell
-  syn match phpComment  "//.\{-}$"  contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell
-  syn match phpComment  "//.\{-}?>"me=e-2 contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell
-endif
+syn match phpComment  "#.\{-}\(?>\|$\)\@="  contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell
+syn match phpComment  "//.\{-}\(?>\|$\)\@=" contained contains=phpTodo,@Spell
 
 " String
 if exists("php_parent_error_open")
@@ -403,24 +381,22 @@ else
 endif
 
 " HereDoc and NowDoc
-if version >= 600
-  syn case match
+syn case match
 
-  " HereDoc
-  syn region  phpHereDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<=\(\"\=\)\z(\I\i*\)\2$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@=" contained contains=phpIdentifier,phpIdentifierSimply,phpIdentifierComplex,phpBackslashSequences,phpMethodsVar,@Spell keepend extend
+" HereDoc
+syn region  phpHereDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<=\(\"\=\)\z(\I\i*\)\2$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@=" contained contains=phpIdentifier,phpIdentifierSimply,phpIdentifierComplex,phpBackslashSequences,phpMethodsVar,@Spell keepend extend
 " including HTML,JavaScript,SQL even if not enabled via options
-  syn region  phpHereDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<=\(\"\=\)\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(html\)\c\(\i*\)\)\2$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@="  contained contains=@htmlTop,phpIdentifier,phpIdentifierSimply,phpIdentifierComplex,phpBackslashSequences,phpMethodsVar,@Spell keepend extend
-  syn region  phpHereDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<=\(\"\=\)\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(sql\)\c\(\i*\)\)\2$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@=" contained contains=@sqlTop,phpIdentifier,phpIdentifierSimply,phpIdentifierComplex,phpBackslashSequences,phpMethodsVar,@Spell keepend extend
-  syn region  phpHereDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<=\(\"\=\)\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(javascript\)\c\(\i*\)\)\2$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@="  contained contains=@htmlJavascript,phpIdentifierSimply,phpIdentifier,phpIdentifierComplex,phpBackslashSequences,phpMethodsVar,@Spell keepend extend
+syn region  phpHereDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<=\(\"\=\)\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(html\)\c\(\i*\)\)\2$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@="  contained contains=@htmlTop,phpIdentifier,phpIdentifierSimply,phpIdentifierComplex,phpBackslashSequences,phpMethodsVar,@Spell keepend extend
+syn region  phpHereDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<=\(\"\=\)\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(sql\)\c\(\i*\)\)\2$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@=" contained contains=@sqlTop,phpIdentifier,phpIdentifierSimply,phpIdentifierComplex,phpBackslashSequences,phpMethodsVar,@Spell keepend extend
+syn region  phpHereDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<=\(\"\=\)\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(javascript\)\c\(\i*\)\)\2$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@="  contained contains=@htmlJavascript,phpIdentifierSimply,phpIdentifier,phpIdentifierComplex,phpBackslashSequences,phpMethodsVar,@Spell keepend extend
 
-  " NowDoc
-  syn region  phpNowDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<='\z(\I\i*\)'$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@=" contained contains=@Spell keepend extend
+" NowDoc
+syn region  phpNowDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<='\z(\I\i*\)'$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@=" contained contains=@Spell keepend extend
 " including HTML,JavaScript,SQL even if not enabled via options
-  syn region  phpNowDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<='\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(html\)\c\(\i*\)\)'$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@="  contained contains=@htmlTop,@Spell keepend extend
-  syn region  phpNowDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<='\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(sql\)\c\(\i*\)\)'$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@=" contained contains=@sqlTop,@Spell keepend extend
-  syn region  phpNowDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<='\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(javascript\)\c\(\i*\)\)'$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@="  contained contains=@htmlJavascript,@Spell keepend extend
-  syn case ignore
-endif
+syn region  phpNowDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<='\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(html\)\c\(\i*\)\)'$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@="  contained contains=@htmlTop,@Spell keepend extend
+syn region  phpNowDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<='\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(sql\)\c\(\i*\)\)'$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@=" contained contains=@sqlTop,@Spell keepend extend
+syn region  phpNowDoc  matchgroup=Delimiter start="\(<<<\)\@<='\z(\(\I\i*\)\=\(javascript\)\c\(\i*\)\)'$" end="^\z1\(;\=$\)\@="  contained contains=@htmlJavascript,@Spell keepend extend
+syn case ignore
 
 " Parent
 if exists("php_parent_error_close") || exists("php_parent_error_open")
@@ -621,82 +597,74 @@ syntax match  phpDocTags  "@\(abstract\|access\|author\|category\|copyright\|dep
 syntax match  phpDocTodo  "@\(todo\|fixme\|xxx\)\(\s\+\)\?" containedin=phpComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_php_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_php_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink   phpConstant  Constant
-  HiLink   phpCoreConstant  Constant
-  HiLink   phpComment Comment
-  HiLink   phpDocTags PreProc
-  HiLink   phpDocCustomTags Type
-  HiLink   phpException Exception
-  HiLink   phpBoolean Boolean
-  HiLink   phpStorageClass  StorageClass
-  HiLink   phpSCKeyword StorageClass
-  HiLink   phpFCKeyword Define
-  HiLink   phpStructure Structure
-  HiLink   phpStringSingle  String
-  HiLink   phpStringDouble  String
-  HiLink   phpBacktick  String
-  HiLink   phpNumber  Number
-  HiLink   phpFloat Float
-  HiLink   phpMethods Function
-  HiLink   phpFunctions Function
-  HiLink   phpBaselib Function
-  HiLink   phpRepeat  Repeat
-  HiLink   phpConditional Conditional
-  HiLink   phpLabel Label
-  HiLink   phpStatement Statement
-  HiLink   phpKeyword Statement
-  HiLink   phpType  Type
-  HiLink   phpInclude Include
-  HiLink   phpDefine  Define
-  HiLink   phpBackslashSequences SpecialChar
-  HiLink   phpBackslashDoubleQuote SpecialChar
-  HiLink   phpBackslashSingleQuote SpecialChar
-  HiLink   phpParent  Delimiter
-  HiLink   phpBrackets  Delimiter
-  HiLink   phpIdentifierConst Delimiter
-  HiLink   phpParentError Error
-  HiLink   phpOctalError  Error
-  HiLink   phpInterpSimpleError Error
-  HiLink   phpInterpBogusDollarCurley Error
-  HiLink   phpInterpDollarCurly1 Error
-  HiLink   phpInterpDollarCurly2 Error
-  HiLink   phpInterpSimpleBracketsInner String
-  HiLink   phpInterpSimpleCurly Delimiter
-  HiLink   phpInterpVarname Identifier
-  HiLink   phpTodo  Todo
-  HiLink   phpDocTodo Todo
-  HiLink   phpMemberSelector  Structure
-  if exists("php_oldStyle")
-  hi  phpIntVar guifg=Red ctermfg=DarkRed
-  hi  phpEnvVar guifg=Red ctermfg=DarkRed
-  hi  phpOperator guifg=SeaGreen ctermfg=DarkGreen
-  hi  phpVarSelector guifg=SeaGreen ctermfg=DarkGreen
-  hi  phpRelation guifg=SeaGreen ctermfg=DarkGreen
-  hi  phpIdentifier guifg=DarkGray ctermfg=Brown
-  hi  phpIdentifierSimply guifg=DarkGray ctermfg=Brown
-  else
-  HiLink   phpIntVar Identifier
-  HiLink   phpEnvVar Identifier
-  HiLink   phpOperator Operator
-  HiLink   phpVarSelector  Operator
-  HiLink   phpRelation Operator
-  HiLink   phpIdentifier Identifier
-  HiLink   phpIdentifierSimply Identifier
-  endif
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+HiLink   phpConstant  Constant
+HiLink   phpCoreConstant  Constant
+HiLink   phpComment Comment
+HiLink   phpDocTags PreProc
+HiLink   phpDocCustomTags Type
+HiLink   phpException Exception
+HiLink   phpBoolean Boolean
+HiLink   phpStorageClass  StorageClass
+HiLink   phpSCKeyword StorageClass
+HiLink   phpFCKeyword Define
+HiLink   phpStructure Structure
+HiLink   phpStringSingle  String
+HiLink   phpStringDouble  String
+HiLink   phpBacktick  String
+HiLink   phpNumber  Number
+HiLink   phpFloat Float
+HiLink   phpMethods Function
+HiLink   phpFunctions Function
+HiLink   phpBaselib Function
+HiLink   phpRepeat  Repeat
+HiLink   phpConditional Conditional
+HiLink   phpLabel Label
+HiLink   phpStatement Statement
+HiLink   phpKeyword Statement
+HiLink   phpType  Type
+HiLink   phpInclude Include
+HiLink   phpDefine  Define
+HiLink   phpBackslashSequences SpecialChar
+HiLink   phpBackslashDoubleQuote SpecialChar
+HiLink   phpBackslashSingleQuote SpecialChar
+HiLink   phpParent  Delimiter
+HiLink   phpBrackets  Delimiter
+HiLink   phpIdentifierConst Delimiter
+HiLink   phpParentError Error
+HiLink   phpOctalError  Error
+HiLink   phpInterpSimpleError Error
+HiLink   phpInterpBogusDollarCurley Error
+HiLink   phpInterpDollarCurly1 Error
+HiLink   phpInterpDollarCurly2 Error
+HiLink   phpInterpSimpleBracketsInner String
+HiLink   phpInterpSimpleCurly Delimiter
+HiLink   phpInterpVarname Identifier
+HiLink   phpTodo  Todo
+HiLink   phpDocTodo Todo
+HiLink   phpMemberSelector  Structure
+if exists("php_oldStyle")
+hi  phpIntVar guifg=Red ctermfg=DarkRed
+hi  phpEnvVar guifg=Red ctermfg=DarkRed
+hi  phpOperator guifg=SeaGreen ctermfg=DarkGreen
+hi  phpVarSelector guifg=SeaGreen ctermfg=DarkGreen
+hi  phpRelation guifg=SeaGreen ctermfg=DarkGreen
+hi  phpIdentifier guifg=DarkGray ctermfg=Brown
+hi  phpIdentifierSimply guifg=DarkGray ctermfg=Brown
+else
+HiLink   phpIntVar Identifier
+HiLink   phpEnvVar Identifier
+HiLink   phpOperator Operator
+HiLink   phpVarSelector  Operator
+HiLink   phpRelation Operator
+HiLink   phpIdentifier Identifier
+HiLink   phpIdentifierSimply Identifier
 endif
 
+delcommand HiLink
+
 let b:current_syntax = "php"
 
 if main_syntax == 'php'
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pic.vim b/runtime/syntax/pic.vim
index adc964ea96..b98984ed3d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pic.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pic.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " URL:		http://galeb.etf.bg.ac.yu/~alexa/vim/syntax/pic.vim
 " Revision:     1.01
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -91,36 +88,28 @@ syn match picDirective   "#\=DEFINE"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pic16f84_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_pic16f84_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink picTodo		Todo
-  HiLink picComment		Comment
-  HiLink picDirective		Statement
-  HiLink picLabel		Label
-  HiLink picString		String
+HiLink picTodo		Todo
+HiLink picComment		Comment
+HiLink picDirective		Statement
+HiLink picLabel		Label
+HiLink picString		String
 
- "HiLink picOpcode		Keyword
- "HiLink picRegister		Structure
- "HiLink picRegisterPart	Special
+"HiLink picOpcode		Keyword
+"HiLink picRegister		Structure
+"HiLink picRegisterPart	Special
 
-  HiLink picASCII		String
-  HiLink picBinary		Number
-  HiLink picDecimal		Number
-  HiLink picHexadecimal		Number
-  HiLink picOctal		Number
+HiLink picASCII		String
+HiLink picBinary		Number
+HiLink picDecimal		Number
+HiLink picHexadecimal		Number
+HiLink picOctal		Number
 
-  HiLink picIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink picIdentifier		Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pic"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pike.vim b/runtime/syntax/pike.vim
index efbafd5d82..dcf32113c5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pike.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pike.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Francesco Chemolli <kinkie@kame.usr.dsi.unimi.it>
 " Last Change:	2001 May 10
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -104,51 +101,43 @@ syn match	pikeBitField	";\s*\I\i*\s*:\s*[1-9]"me=e-1
 syn sync ccomment pikeComment minlines=10
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pike_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_pike_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink pikeLabel		Label
-  HiLink pikeUserLabel		Label
-  HiLink pikeConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink pikeRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink pikeCharacter		Character
-  HiLink pikeSpecialCharacter pikeSpecial
-  HiLink pikeNumber		Number
-  HiLink pikeFloat		Float
-  HiLink pikeOctalError		pikeError
-  HiLink pikeParenError		pikeError
-  HiLink pikeInParen		pikeError
-  HiLink pikeCommentError	pikeError
-  HiLink pikeOperator		Operator
-  HiLink pikeInclude		Include
-  HiLink pikePreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink pikeDefine		Macro
-  HiLink pikeIncluded		pikeString
-  HiLink pikeError		Error
-  HiLink pikeStatement		Statement
-  HiLink pikePreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink pikeType		Type
-  HiLink pikeCommentError	pikeError
-  HiLink pikeCommentString	pikeString
-  HiLink pikeComment2String	pikeString
-  HiLink pikeCommentSkip	pikeComment
-  HiLink pikeString		String
-  HiLink pikeComment		Comment
-  HiLink pikeSpecial		SpecialChar
-  HiLink pikeTodo		Todo
-  HiLink pikeException		pikeStatement
-  HiLink pikeCompoundType	Constant
-  "HiLink pikeIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink pikeLabel		Label
+HiLink pikeUserLabel		Label
+HiLink pikeConditional	Conditional
+HiLink pikeRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink pikeCharacter		Character
+HiLink pikeSpecialCharacter pikeSpecial
+HiLink pikeNumber		Number
+HiLink pikeFloat		Float
+HiLink pikeOctalError		pikeError
+HiLink pikeParenError		pikeError
+HiLink pikeInParen		pikeError
+HiLink pikeCommentError	pikeError
+HiLink pikeOperator		Operator
+HiLink pikeInclude		Include
+HiLink pikePreProc		PreProc
+HiLink pikeDefine		Macro
+HiLink pikeIncluded		pikeString
+HiLink pikeError		Error
+HiLink pikeStatement		Statement
+HiLink pikePreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink pikeType		Type
+HiLink pikeCommentError	pikeError
+HiLink pikeCommentString	pikeString
+HiLink pikeComment2String	pikeString
+HiLink pikeCommentSkip	pikeComment
+HiLink pikeString		String
+HiLink pikeComment		Comment
+HiLink pikeSpecial		SpecialChar
+HiLink pikeTodo		Todo
+HiLink pikeException		pikeStatement
+HiLink pikeCompoundType	Constant
+"HiLink pikeIdentifier	Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pike"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pilrc.vim b/runtime/syntax/pilrc.vim
index 86d5611589..c1d3288b05 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pilrc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pilrc.vim
@@ -4,10 +4,8 @@
 " Last change:	2003 May 11
 " Available on:	http://www.schau.com/pilrcvim/pilrc.vim
 
-" Remove any old syntax
-if version < 600
-	syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -119,30 +117,22 @@ syn region pilrcInclude start="public class" end="}"
 
 syn sync ccomment pilrcComment
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pilrc_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	let did_pilrc_syntax_inits = 1
+" The default methods for highlighting
+HiLink pilrcKeyword		Statement
+HiLink pilrcType		Type
+HiLink pilrcError		Error
+HiLink pilrcCountry		SpecialChar
+HiLink pilrcLanguage		SpecialChar
+HiLink pilrcString		SpecialChar
+HiLink pilrcNumber		Number
+HiLink pilrcComment		Comment
+HiLink pilrcConstant		Constant
+HiLink pilrcFunction		Function
+HiLink pilrcInclude		SpecialChar
+HiLink pilrcIdentifier		Number
 
-	" The default methods for highlighting
-	HiLink pilrcKeyword		Statement
-	HiLink pilrcType		Type
-	HiLink pilrcError		Error
-	HiLink pilrcCountry		SpecialChar
-	HiLink pilrcLanguage		SpecialChar
-	HiLink pilrcString		SpecialChar
-	HiLink pilrcNumber		Number
-	HiLink pilrcComment		Comment
-	HiLink pilrcConstant		Constant
-	HiLink pilrcFunction		Function
-	HiLink pilrcInclude		SpecialChar
-	HiLink pilrcIdentifier		Number
-
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pilrc"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pine.vim b/runtime/syntax/pine.vim
index 4c64b9bbc7..e41dd87007 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pine.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pine.vim
@@ -3,19 +3,12 @@
 " Maintainer:	David Pascoe <pascoedj@spamcop.net>
 " Last Change:	Thu Feb 27 10:18:48 WST 2003, update for pine 4.53
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,128-167,224-235,-
-else
-  set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,128-167,224-235,-
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,128-167,224-235,-
 
 syn keyword pineConfig addrbook-sort-rule
 syn keyword pineConfig address-book
@@ -351,21 +344,13 @@ syn keyword pineOption vertical-folder-list
 syn match  pineComment  "^#.*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pine_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_pine_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink pineConfig	Type
-  HiLink pineComment	Comment
-  HiLink pineOption	Macro
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink pineConfig	Type
+HiLink pineComment	Comment
+HiLink pineOption	Macro
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pine"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pli.vim b/runtime/syntax/pli.vim
index f8d7e51cf3..9c74f9b0f8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pli.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pli.vim
@@ -3,9 +3,8 @@
 " using keywords from http://www.kednos.com/pli/docs/reference_manual/6291pro_contents.html
 "    2012-11-13 Alan Thompson
 
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -222,57 +221,48 @@ endif
 syn sync minlines=10 maxlines=100
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.x and earlier, only when not done already.
-" For version 5.8 and later, only when and item doesn't have highlighting
-" yet.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pl1_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-        let did_pl1_syn_inits = 1
-        command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-        command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when and item doesn't have highlighting yet.
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink pl1Attribute       Macro
-    HiLink pl1BlockError      Error
-    HiLink pl1BooleanLiteral  Boolean
-    HiLink pl1CharLiteral     Character
-    HiLink pl1Comment         Comment
-    HiLink pl1CommentL        Comment
-    HiLink pl1Conditional     Conditional
-    HiLink pl1Error           Error
-    HiLink pl1ErrInBracket    Error
-    HiLink pl1ErrInBlock      Error
-    HiLink pl1ErrInParen      Error
-    HiLink pl1Exception       Function
-    HiLink pl1FloatLiteral    Float
-    HiLink pl1Function        Function
-    HiLink pl1Garbage         Error
-    HiLink pl1HostIdentifier  Label
-    HiLink pl1Identifier      Normal
-    HiLink pl1IntLiteral      Number
-    HiLink pl1Operator        Operator
-    HiLink pl1Paren           Normal
-    HiLink pl1ParenError      Error
-    HiLink pl1SpaceError      Error
-    HiLink pl1Pseudo          PreProc
-    HiLink pl1PreProc         PreProc
-    HiLink pl1PreProcSym      PreProc
-    HiLink pl1Keyword         Keyword
-    HiLink pl1Other           Keyword
-    HiLink pl1Repeat          Repeat
-    HiLink pl1Statement       Keyword
-    HiLink pl1Storage         StorageClass
-    HiLink pl1StringError     Error
-    HiLink pl1StringLiteral   String
-    HiLink pl1CommentString   String
-    HiLink pl1Comment2String  String
-    HiLink pl1Symbol          Normal
-    HiLink pl1Trigger         Function
-    HiLink pl1TypeAttribute   StorageClass
-    HiLink pl1Todo            Todo
+HiLink pl1Attribute       Macro
+HiLink pl1BlockError      Error
+HiLink pl1BooleanLiteral  Boolean
+HiLink pl1CharLiteral     Character
+HiLink pl1Comment         Comment
+HiLink pl1CommentL        Comment
+HiLink pl1Conditional     Conditional
+HiLink pl1Error           Error
+HiLink pl1ErrInBracket    Error
+HiLink pl1ErrInBlock      Error
+HiLink pl1ErrInParen      Error
+HiLink pl1Exception       Function
+HiLink pl1FloatLiteral    Float
+HiLink pl1Function        Function
+HiLink pl1Garbage         Error
+HiLink pl1HostIdentifier  Label
+HiLink pl1Identifier      Normal
+HiLink pl1IntLiteral      Number
+HiLink pl1Operator        Operator
+HiLink pl1Paren           Normal
+HiLink pl1ParenError      Error
+HiLink pl1SpaceError      Error
+HiLink pl1Pseudo          PreProc
+HiLink pl1PreProc         PreProc
+HiLink pl1PreProcSym      PreProc
+HiLink pl1Keyword         Keyword
+HiLink pl1Other           Keyword
+HiLink pl1Repeat          Repeat
+HiLink pl1Statement       Keyword
+HiLink pl1Storage         StorageClass
+HiLink pl1StringError     Error
+HiLink pl1StringLiteral   String
+HiLink pl1CommentString   String
+HiLink pl1Comment2String  String
+HiLink pl1Symbol          Normal
+HiLink pl1Trigger         Function
+HiLink pl1TypeAttribute   StorageClass
+HiLink pl1Todo            Todo
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pl1"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/plm.vim b/runtime/syntax/plm.vim
index bf7c32fd1c..de806b3335 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/plm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/plm.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Philippe Coulonges <cphil@cphil.net>
 " Last change:	2003 May 11
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -103,43 +100,35 @@ syn keyword plm386w16BuiltIn SETD SKIPD SKIPRD
 syn sync lines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_plm_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_plm_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
- " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
 "  HiLink plmLabel			Label
 "  HiLink plmConditional		Conditional
 "  HiLink plmRepeat			Repeat
-  HiLink plmTodo			Todo
-  HiLink plmNumber			Number
-  HiLink plmOperator			Operator
-  HiLink plmDelimiter			Operator
-  "HiLink plmShowTab			Error
-  "HiLink plmShowTabc			Error
-  HiLink plmIdentifier			Identifier
-  HiLink plmBuiltIn			Statement
-  HiLink plm286BuiltIn			Statement
-  HiLink plm386BuiltIn			Statement
-  HiLink plm386w16BuiltIn		Statement
-  HiLink plmReserved			Statement
-  HiLink plm386Reserved			Statement
-  HiLink plmPreProc			PreProc
-  HiLink plmCommentError		plmError
-  HiLink plmCommentString		plmString
-  HiLink plmComment2String		plmString
-  HiLink plmCommentSkip			plmComment
-  HiLink plmString			String
-  HiLink plmComment			Comment
+HiLink plmTodo			Todo
+HiLink plmNumber			Number
+HiLink plmOperator			Operator
+HiLink plmDelimiter			Operator
+"HiLink plmShowTab			Error
+"HiLink plmShowTabc			Error
+HiLink plmIdentifier			Identifier
+HiLink plmBuiltIn			Statement
+HiLink plm286BuiltIn			Statement
+HiLink plm386BuiltIn			Statement
+HiLink plm386w16BuiltIn		Statement
+HiLink plmReserved			Statement
+HiLink plm386Reserved			Statement
+HiLink plmPreProc			PreProc
+HiLink plmCommentError		plmError
+HiLink plmCommentString		plmString
+HiLink plmComment2String		plmString
+HiLink plmCommentSkip			plmComment
+HiLink plmString			String
+HiLink plmComment			Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "plm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/plp.vim b/runtime/syntax/plp.vim
index f59702d3b5..48dc4b249e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/plp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/plp.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " Add to filetype.vim the following line (without quote sign):
 " au BufNewFile,BufRead *.plp setf plp
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -19,14 +16,9 @@ if !exists("main_syntax")
   let main_syntax = 'perlscript'
 endif
 
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-  syn include @PLPperl <sfile>:p:h/perl.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-  syn include @PLPperl syntax/perl.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
+syn include @PLPperl syntax/perl.vim
 
 syn cluster htmlPreproc add=PLPperlblock
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/plsql.vim b/runtime/syntax/plsql.vim
index 6e513660f8..173c22f761 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/plsql.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/plsql.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 "	   Austin Ziegler (austin at halostatue dot ca)
 "		Added 8i+ features.
 "
-" For version 5.x, clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x, quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -223,54 +220,46 @@ endif
 syn sync minlines=10 maxlines=100
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.x and earlier, only when not done already.
-" For version 5.8 and later, only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_plsql_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_plsql_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink plsqlAttribute		Macro
-  HiLink plsqlBlockError	Error
-  HiLink plsqlBooleanLiteral	Boolean
-  HiLink plsqlCharLiteral	Character
-  HiLink plsqlComment		Comment
-  HiLink plsqlCommentL		Comment
-  HiLink plsqlConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink plsqlError		Error
-  HiLink plsqlErrInBracket	Error
-  HiLink plsqlErrInBlock	Error
-  HiLink plsqlErrInParen	Error
-  HiLink plsqlException		Function
-  HiLink plsqlFloatLiteral	Float
-  HiLink plsqlFunction		Function
-  HiLink plsqlGarbage		Error
-  HiLink plsqlHostIdentifier	Label
-  HiLink plsqlIdentifier	Normal
-  HiLink plsqlIntLiteral	Number
-  HiLink plsqlOperator		Operator
-  HiLink plsqlParen		Normal
-  HiLink plsqlParenError	Error
-  HiLink plsqlSpaceError	Error
-  HiLink plsqlPseudo		PreProc
-  HiLink plsqlKeyword		Keyword
-  HiLink plsqlRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink plsqlStorage		StorageClass
-  HiLink plsqlSQLKeyword	Function
-  HiLink plsqlStringError	Error
-  HiLink plsqlStringLiteral	String
-  HiLink plsqlCommentString	String
-  HiLink plsqlComment2String	String
-  HiLink plsqlSymbol		Normal
-  HiLink plsqlTrigger		Function
-  HiLink plsqlTypeAttribute	StorageClass
-  HiLink plsqlTodo		Todo
+HiLink plsqlAttribute		Macro
+HiLink plsqlBlockError	Error
+HiLink plsqlBooleanLiteral	Boolean
+HiLink plsqlCharLiteral	Character
+HiLink plsqlComment		Comment
+HiLink plsqlCommentL		Comment
+HiLink plsqlConditional	Conditional
+HiLink plsqlError		Error
+HiLink plsqlErrInBracket	Error
+HiLink plsqlErrInBlock	Error
+HiLink plsqlErrInParen	Error
+HiLink plsqlException		Function
+HiLink plsqlFloatLiteral	Float
+HiLink plsqlFunction		Function
+HiLink plsqlGarbage		Error
+HiLink plsqlHostIdentifier	Label
+HiLink plsqlIdentifier	Normal
+HiLink plsqlIntLiteral	Number
+HiLink plsqlOperator		Operator
+HiLink plsqlParen		Normal
+HiLink plsqlParenError	Error
+HiLink plsqlSpaceError	Error
+HiLink plsqlPseudo		PreProc
+HiLink plsqlKeyword		Keyword
+HiLink plsqlRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink plsqlStorage		StorageClass
+HiLink plsqlSQLKeyword	Function
+HiLink plsqlStringError	Error
+HiLink plsqlStringLiteral	String
+HiLink plsqlCommentString	String
+HiLink plsqlComment2String	String
+HiLink plsqlSymbol		Normal
+HiLink plsqlTrigger		Function
+HiLink plsqlTypeAttribute	StorageClass
+HiLink plsqlTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "plsql"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/po.vim b/runtime/syntax/po.vim
index 2ab13ac0b1..f98813c62a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/po.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/po.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 "               Leonardo Fontenelle (Spell checking)
 "               Nam SungHyun <namsh@kldp.org> (Original maintainer)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 let s:keepcpo= &cpo
@@ -82,61 +79,53 @@ syn match poAcceleratorStr  contained "[^&_~][&_~]\(\a\|\d\)[^:]"ms=s+1,me=e-1 c
 syn match poVariable contained "%\d"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_po_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_po_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink poCommentSources    PreProc
-  HiLink poComment	     Comment
-  HiLink poCommentAutomatic  Comment
-  HiLink poCommentTranslator Comment
-  HiLink poCommentFlags      Special
-  HiLink poCommentDiff       Comment
-  HiLink poCopyrightUnset    Todo
-  HiLink poFlagFuzzy         Todo
-  HiLink poDiffOld           Todo
-  HiLink poDiffNew          Special
-  HiLink poObsolete         Comment
+HiLink poCommentSources    PreProc
+HiLink poComment	     Comment
+HiLink poCommentAutomatic  Comment
+HiLink poCommentTranslator Comment
+HiLink poCommentFlags      Special
+HiLink poCommentDiff       Comment
+HiLink poCopyrightUnset    Todo
+HiLink poFlagFuzzy         Todo
+HiLink poDiffOld           Todo
+HiLink poDiffNew          Special
+HiLink poObsolete         Comment
 
-  HiLink poStatementMsgid   Statement
-  HiLink poStatementMsgstr  Statement
-  HiLink poStatementMsgidplural  Statement
-  HiLink poStatementMsgCTxt Statement
-  HiLink poPluralCaseN      Constant
+HiLink poStatementMsgid   Statement
+HiLink poStatementMsgstr  Statement
+HiLink poStatementMsgidplural  Statement
+HiLink poStatementMsgCTxt Statement
+HiLink poPluralCaseN      Constant
 
-  HiLink poStringCTxt	    Comment
-  HiLink poStringID	    String
-  HiLink poStringSTR	    String
-  HiLink poCommentKDE       Comment
-  HiLink poCommentKDEError  Error
-  HiLink poPluralKDE        Comment
-  HiLink poPluralKDEError   Error
-  HiLink poHeaderItem       Identifier
-  HiLink poHeaderUndefined  Todo
-  HiLink poKDEdesktopFile   Identifier
+HiLink poStringCTxt	    Comment
+HiLink poStringID	    String
+HiLink poStringSTR	    String
+HiLink poCommentKDE       Comment
+HiLink poCommentKDEError  Error
+HiLink poPluralKDE        Comment
+HiLink poPluralKDEError   Error
+HiLink poHeaderItem       Identifier
+HiLink poHeaderUndefined  Todo
+HiLink poKDEdesktopFile   Identifier
 
-  HiLink poHtml              Identifier
-  HiLink poHtmlNot           String
-  HiLink poHtmlTranslatables String
-  HiLink poLineBreak         String
+HiLink poHtml              Identifier
+HiLink poHtmlNot           String
+HiLink poHtmlTranslatables String
+HiLink poLineBreak         String
 
-  HiLink poFormat	    poSpecial
-  HiLink poSpecial	    Special
-  HiLink poAcceleratorId    Special
-  HiLink poAcceleratorStr   Special
-  HiLink poVariable         Special
+HiLink poFormat	    poSpecial
+HiLink poSpecial	    Special
+HiLink poAcceleratorId    Special
+HiLink poAcceleratorStr   Special
+HiLink poVariable         Special
 
-  HiLink poMsguniqError        Special
-  HiLink poMsguniqErrorMarkers Comment
+HiLink poMsguniqError        Special
+HiLink poMsguniqErrorMarkers Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "po"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pod.vim b/runtime/syntax/pod.vim
index b9f2e0854f..c545141275 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pod.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pod.vim
@@ -19,11 +19,8 @@
 
 " Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around (this is suppressed
 " automatically by ":syn include" if necessary).
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -67,28 +64,20 @@ syn match  podEscape	"\I\i*>"me=e-1 contained contains=@NoSpell
 syn match  podEscape2	"\d\+>"me=e-1 contained contains=@NoSpell
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pod_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_pod_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink podCommand		Statement
-  HiLink podCmdText		String
-  HiLink podOverIndent		Number
-  HiLink podForKeywd		Identifier
-  HiLink podFormat		Identifier
-  HiLink podVerbatimLine	PreProc
-  HiLink podSpecial		Identifier
-  HiLink podEscape		String
-  HiLink podEscape2		Number
+HiLink podCommand		Statement
+HiLink podCmdText		String
+HiLink podOverIndent		Number
+HiLink podForKeywd		Identifier
+HiLink podFormat		Identifier
+HiLink podVerbatimLine	PreProc
+HiLink podSpecial		Identifier
+HiLink podEscape		String
+HiLink podEscape2		Number
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 if exists("perl_pod_spellcheck_headings")
   " Spell-check headings
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/postscr.vim b/runtime/syntax/postscr.vim
index 8b051d33b3..33cc6ec128 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/postscr.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/postscr.vim
@@ -13,11 +13,8 @@
 " postscr_encodings             - highlight encoding names (there are a lot)
 " postscr_andornot_binary       - highlight and, or, and not as binary operators (not logical)
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -25,11 +22,7 @@ endif
 syn case match
 
 " Keyword characters - all 7-bit ASCII bar PS delimiters and ws
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=33-127,^(,^),^<,^>,^[,^],^{,^},^/,^%
-else
-  set iskeyword=33-127,^(,^),^<,^>,^[,^],^{,^},^/,^%
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=33-127,^(,^),^<,^>,^[,^],^{,^},^/,^%
 
 " Yer trusty old TODO highlghter!
 syn keyword postscrTodo contained  TODO
@@ -730,68 +723,60 @@ if exists("postscr_ghostscript")
 endif " GhostScript highlighting
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_postscr_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_postscr_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink postscrComment         Comment
+HiLink postscrComment         Comment
 
-  HiLink postscrConstant        Constant
-  HiLink postscrString          String
-  HiLink postscrASCIIString     postscrString
-  HiLink postscrHexString       postscrString
-  HiLink postscrASCII85String   postscrString
-  HiLink postscrNumber          Number
-  HiLink postscrInteger         postscrNumber
-  HiLink postscrHex             postscrNumber
-  HiLink postscrRadix           postscrNumber
-  HiLink postscrFloat           Float
-  HiLink postscrBoolean         Boolean
+HiLink postscrConstant        Constant
+HiLink postscrString          String
+HiLink postscrASCIIString     postscrString
+HiLink postscrHexString       postscrString
+HiLink postscrASCII85String   postscrString
+HiLink postscrNumber          Number
+HiLink postscrInteger         postscrNumber
+HiLink postscrHex             postscrNumber
+HiLink postscrRadix           postscrNumber
+HiLink postscrFloat           Float
+HiLink postscrBoolean         Boolean
 
-  HiLink postscrIdentifier      Identifier
-  HiLink postscrProcedure       Function
+HiLink postscrIdentifier      Identifier
+HiLink postscrProcedure       Function
 
-  HiLink postscrName            Statement
-  HiLink postscrConditional     Conditional
-  HiLink postscrRepeat          Repeat
-  HiLink postscrL2Repeat        postscrRepeat
-  HiLink postscrOperator        Operator
-  HiLink postscrL1Operator      postscrOperator
-  HiLink postscrL2Operator      postscrOperator
-  HiLink postscrL3Operator      postscrOperator
-  HiLink postscrMathOperator    postscrOperator
-  HiLink postscrLogicalOperator postscrOperator
-  HiLink postscrBinaryOperator  postscrOperator
+HiLink postscrName            Statement
+HiLink postscrConditional     Conditional
+HiLink postscrRepeat          Repeat
+HiLink postscrL2Repeat        postscrRepeat
+HiLink postscrOperator        Operator
+HiLink postscrL1Operator      postscrOperator
+HiLink postscrL2Operator      postscrOperator
+HiLink postscrL3Operator      postscrOperator
+HiLink postscrMathOperator    postscrOperator
+HiLink postscrLogicalOperator postscrOperator
+HiLink postscrBinaryOperator  postscrOperator
 
-  HiLink postscrDSCComment      SpecialComment
-  HiLink postscrSpecialChar     SpecialChar
+HiLink postscrDSCComment      SpecialComment
+HiLink postscrSpecialChar     SpecialChar
 
-  HiLink postscrTodo            Todo
+HiLink postscrTodo            Todo
 
-  HiLink postscrError           Error
-  HiLink postscrSpecialCharError postscrError
-  HiLink postscrASCII85CharError postscrError
-  HiLink postscrHexCharError    postscrError
-  HiLink postscrASCIIStringError postscrError
-  HiLink postscrIdentifierError postscrError
+HiLink postscrError           Error
+HiLink postscrSpecialCharError postscrError
+HiLink postscrASCII85CharError postscrError
+HiLink postscrHexCharError    postscrError
+HiLink postscrASCIIStringError postscrError
+HiLink postscrIdentifierError postscrError
 
-  if exists("postscr_ghostscript")
-    HiLink postscrGSOperator      postscrOperator
-    HiLink postscrGSMathOperator  postscrMathOperator
-  else
-    HiLink postscrGSOperator      postscrError
-    HiLink postscrGSMathOperator  postscrError
-  endif
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+if exists("postscr_ghostscript")
+HiLink postscrGSOperator      postscrOperator
+HiLink postscrGSMathOperator  postscrMathOperator
+else
+HiLink postscrGSOperator      postscrError
+HiLink postscrGSMathOperator  postscrError
 endif
 
+delcommand HiLink
+
 let b:current_syntax = "postscr"
 
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pov.vim b/runtime/syntax/pov.vim
index 4c1fd9624a..8595bcb151 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pov.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pov.vim
@@ -5,14 +5,8 @@
 " Required Vim Version: 6.0
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-  " Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-  if exists("b:current_syntax")
-    finish
-  endif
-else
-  " Croak when an old Vim is sourcing us.
-  echo "Sorry, but this syntax file relies on Vim 6 features.  Either upgrade Vim or use a version of " . expand("<sfile>:t:r") . " syntax file appropriate for Vim " . version/100 . "." . version %100 . "."
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/povini.vim b/runtime/syntax/povini.vim
index 726fe1fc74..ac1f87875e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/povini.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/povini.vim
@@ -5,14 +5,8 @@
 " Required Vim Version: 6.0
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-  " Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-  if exists("b:current_syntax")
-    finish
-  endif
-else
-  " Croak when an old Vim is sourcing us.
-  echo "Sorry, but this syntax file relies on Vim 6 features.  Either upgrade Vim or usea version of " . expand("<sfile>:t:r") . " syntax file appropriate for Vim " . version/100 . "." . version %100 . "."
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ppd.vim b/runtime/syntax/ppd.vim
index 192f70c05d..31d3841e33 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ppd.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ppd.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Bjoern Jacke <bjacke@suse.de>
 " Last Change:	2001-10-06
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -21,27 +18,19 @@ syn match	ppdGUIText	"/.*:"
 syn match	ppdContraints	"^*UIConstraints:"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ahdl_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ahdl_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
 
-  HiLink ppdComment		Comment
-  HiLink ppdDefine		Statement
-  HiLink ppdUI			Function
-  HiLink ppdUIGroup		Function
-  HiLink ppdDef			String
-  HiLink ppdGUIText		Type
-  HiLink ppdContraints		Special
+HiLink ppdComment		Comment
+HiLink ppdDefine		Statement
+HiLink ppdUI			Function
+HiLink ppdUIGroup		Function
+HiLink ppdDef			String
+HiLink ppdGUIText		Type
+HiLink ppdContraints		Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ppd"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ppwiz.vim b/runtime/syntax/ppwiz.vim
index d3d7b3a17a..599bf0b89f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ppwiz.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ppwiz.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Filename:     ppwiz.vim
 
 " Remove old syntax stuff
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -63,33 +60,25 @@ syn match   ppwizInteger  "\d\+" contained
 syn cluster ppwizArgVal add=ppwizString,ppwizInteger
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ppwiz_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-		let did_ppwiz_syn_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink ppwizSpecial  Special
-    HiLink ppwizEqual    ppwizSpecial
-    HiLink ppwizOperator ppwizSpecial
-    HiLink ppwizComment  Comment
-    HiLink ppwizDef      PreProc
-    HiLink ppwizMacro    Statement
-    HiLink ppwizArg      Identifier
-    HiLink ppwizStdVar   Identifier
-    HiLink ppwizRexxVar  Identifier
-    HiLink ppwizString   Constant
-    HiLink ppwizInteger  Constant
-    HiLink ppwizCont     ppwizSpecial
-    HiLink ppwizError    Error
-    HiLink ppwizHTML     Type
+HiLink ppwizSpecial  Special
+HiLink ppwizEqual    ppwizSpecial
+HiLink ppwizOperator ppwizSpecial
+HiLink ppwizComment  Comment
+HiLink ppwizDef      PreProc
+HiLink ppwizMacro    Statement
+HiLink ppwizArg      Identifier
+HiLink ppwizStdVar   Identifier
+HiLink ppwizRexxVar  Identifier
+HiLink ppwizString   Constant
+HiLink ppwizInteger  Constant
+HiLink ppwizCont     ppwizSpecial
+HiLink ppwizError    Error
+HiLink ppwizHTML     Type
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ppwiz"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/prescribe.vim b/runtime/syntax/prescribe.vim
index d89ee35253..05f9162e4c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/prescribe.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/prescribe.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:          http://www.hampft.de/vim/syntax/prescribe.vim
 " Last Change:	2005 Mar 04
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -44,25 +41,17 @@ syn region  prescribeString	start=+'+ end=+'+ skip=+\\'+
 syn region  prescribeComment	start=+CMNT+ end=+;+
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_prescribe_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_prescribe_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink prescribeSpecial		PreProc
-  HiLink prescribeStatement		Statement
-  HiLink prescribeNumber		Number
-  HiLink prescribeCSETArg		String
-  HiLink prescribeFRPOArg		String
-  HiLink prescribeComment		Comment
+HiLink prescribeSpecial		PreProc
+HiLink prescribeStatement		Statement
+HiLink prescribeNumber		Number
+HiLink prescribeCSETArg		String
+HiLink prescribeFRPOArg		String
+HiLink prescribeComment		Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "prescribe"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/procmail.vim b/runtime/syntax/procmail.vim
index c2ffa39883..9202dbf29a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/procmail.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/procmail.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2003 Aug 14
 " Author:	Sonia Heimann
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -33,34 +30,26 @@ syn region procmailActionNested start=+^\s*{+ end=+^\s*}+ contains=procmailRecip
 syn region procmailRecipe start=+^\s*:.*$+ end=+^\s*\($\|}\)+me=e-1 contains=procmailComment,procmailCondition,procmailActionFolder,procmailActionVariable,procmailActionForward,procmailActionPipe,procmailActionNested,procmailVarDeclRegion
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_procmail_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_procmail_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink procmailComment Comment
-  HiLink procmailTodo    Todo
+HiLink procmailComment Comment
+HiLink procmailTodo    Todo
 
-  HiLink procmailRecipe   Statement
-  "HiLink procmailCondition   Statement
+HiLink procmailRecipe   Statement
+"HiLink procmailCondition   Statement
 
-  HiLink procmailActionFolder	procmailAction
-  HiLink procmailActionVariable procmailAction
-  HiLink procmailActionForward	procmailAction
-  HiLink procmailActionPipe	procmailAction
-  HiLink procmailAction		Function
-  HiLink procmailVar		Identifier
-  HiLink procmailVarDecl	Identifier
+HiLink procmailActionFolder	procmailAction
+HiLink procmailActionVariable procmailAction
+HiLink procmailActionForward	procmailAction
+HiLink procmailActionPipe	procmailAction
+HiLink procmailAction		Function
+HiLink procmailVar		Identifier
+HiLink procmailVarDecl	Identifier
 
-  HiLink procmailString String
+HiLink procmailString String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "procmail"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/progress.vim b/runtime/syntax/progress.vim
index 85a54a6505..9ff506960e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/progress.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/progress.vim
@@ -11,22 +11,15 @@
 " Version:              13
 " Last Change:		Nov 11 2012
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax item
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-,!,#,$,%
-else
-  set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-,!,#,$,%
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-,!,#,$,%
 
 " The Progress editor doesn't cope with tabs very well.
 set expandtab
@@ -282,44 +275,36 @@ syn keyword ProgressType	char[acter] int[eger] int64 dec[imal] log[ical] da[te]
 syn sync lines=800
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_progress_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_progress_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
-	HiLink ProgressByte		Number
-	HiLink ProgressCase		Repeat
-	HiLink ProgressComment		Comment
-	HiLink ProgressConditional	Conditional
-	HiLink ProgressDebug		Debug
-	HiLink ProgressDo		Repeat
-	HiLink ProgressEndError		Error
-	HiLink ProgressFor		Repeat
-	HiLink ProgressFunction		Procedure
-	HiLink ProgressIdentifier	Identifier
-	HiLink ProgressInclude		Include
-	HiLink ProgressMatrixDelimiter	Identifier
-	HiLink ProgressNumber		Number
-	HiLink ProgressOperator		Operator
-	HiLink ProgressPreProc		PreProc
-	HiLink ProgressProcedure	Procedure
-	HiLink ProgressQuote		Delimiter
-	HiLink ProgressRepeat		Repeat
-	HiLink ProgressReserved		Statement
-	HiLink ProgressSpaceError	Error
-	HiLink ProgressString		String
-	HiLink ProgressTodo		Todo
-	HiLink ProgressType		Statement
-	HiLink ProgressShowTab		Error
+" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
+HiLink ProgressByte		Number
+HiLink ProgressCase		Repeat
+HiLink ProgressComment		Comment
+HiLink ProgressConditional	Conditional
+HiLink ProgressDebug		Debug
+HiLink ProgressDo		Repeat
+HiLink ProgressEndError		Error
+HiLink ProgressFor		Repeat
+HiLink ProgressFunction		Procedure
+HiLink ProgressIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink ProgressInclude		Include
+HiLink ProgressMatrixDelimiter	Identifier
+HiLink ProgressNumber		Number
+HiLink ProgressOperator		Operator
+HiLink ProgressPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink ProgressProcedure	Procedure
+HiLink ProgressQuote		Delimiter
+HiLink ProgressRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink ProgressReserved		Statement
+HiLink ProgressSpaceError	Error
+HiLink ProgressString		String
+HiLink ProgressTodo		Todo
+HiLink ProgressType		Statement
+HiLink ProgressShowTab		Error
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "progress"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/prolog.vim b/runtime/syntax/prolog.vim
index f5f0e673ec..2131308b80 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/prolog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/prolog.vim
@@ -8,10 +8,8 @@
 " If the "prolog_highlighting_clean" variable exists, it is rather sparse.
 " Otherwise you get more highlighting.
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -78,46 +76,38 @@ syn sync maxlines=50
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_prolog_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_prolog_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default highlighting.
-  HiLink prologComment          Comment
-  HiLink prologCComment         Comment
-  HiLink prologCharCode         Special
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink prologComment          Comment
+HiLink prologCComment         Comment
+HiLink prologCharCode         Special
 
-  if exists ("prolog_highlighting_clean")
+if exists ("prolog_highlighting_clean")
 
-    HiLink prologKeyword        Statement
-    HiLink prologClauseHead     Statement
-    HiLink prologClause Normal
+HiLink prologKeyword        Statement
+HiLink prologClauseHead     Statement
+HiLink prologClause Normal
 
-  else
+else
 
-    HiLink prologKeyword        Keyword
-    HiLink prologClauseHead     Constant
-    HiLink prologClause Normal
-    HiLink prologQuestion       PreProc
-    HiLink prologSpecialCharacter Special
-    HiLink prologNumber         Number
-    HiLink prologAsIs           Normal
-    HiLink prologCommentError   Error
-    HiLink prologAtom           String
-    HiLink prologString         String
-    HiLink prologOperator       Operator
+HiLink prologKeyword        Keyword
+HiLink prologClauseHead     Constant
+HiLink prologClause Normal
+HiLink prologQuestion       PreProc
+HiLink prologSpecialCharacter Special
+HiLink prologNumber         Number
+HiLink prologAsIs           Normal
+HiLink prologCommentError   Error
+HiLink prologAtom           String
+HiLink prologString         String
+HiLink prologOperator       Operator
 
-  endif
-
-  delcommand HiLink
 endif
 
+delcommand HiLink
+
 let b:current_syntax = "prolog"
 
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/promela.vim b/runtime/syntax/promela.vim
index e812bc2749..add4514561 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/promela.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/promela.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Last Change:		Thu Aug 7 21:22:48 CEST 2008
 " Version:			0.5
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/proto.vim b/runtime/syntax/proto.vim
index 4d6a77e84a..4615e0ca0e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/proto.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/proto.vim
@@ -22,9 +22,8 @@
 "
 " http://code.google.com/p/protobuf/
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/psf.vim b/runtime/syntax/psf.vim
index 2b376f94cc..e059ff9f4d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/psf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/psf.vim
@@ -4,10 +4,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Rex Barzee <rex_barzee@hp.com>
 " Last change:	25 Apr 2001
 
-if version < 600
-  " Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -73,27 +71,19 @@ syn match  psfComment "#.*$"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_psf_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_psf_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink psfObject       Statement
-  HiLink psfAttrib       Type
-  HiLink psfQuotString   String
-  HiLink psfObjTag       Identifier
-  HiLink psfAttAbbrev    PreProc
-  HiLink psfObjTags      Identifier
+HiLink psfObject       Statement
+HiLink psfAttrib       Type
+HiLink psfQuotString   String
+HiLink psfObjTag       Identifier
+HiLink psfAttAbbrev    PreProc
+HiLink psfObjTags      Identifier
 
-  HiLink psfComment      Comment
+HiLink psfComment      Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 " Long descriptions and copyrights confuse the syntax highlighting, so
 " force vim to backup at least 100 lines before the top visible line
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ptcap.vim b/runtime/syntax/ptcap.vim
index 45590cf61b..6d3c460d39 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ptcap.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ptcap.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://folk.uio.no/hakonrk/vim/syntax/ptcap.vim
 " Last Change:	2001 May 15
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -73,34 +70,27 @@ syn region ptcapField	    start=":" skip="[^\\]\(\\\\\)*\\$" end="[^\\]\(\\\\\)*
 syn region ptcapString	    matchgroup=ptcapOperator start="=" skip="[^\\]\(\\\\\)*\\:" matchgroup=ptcapDelimiter end=":"me=e-1 matchgroup=NONE end="[^\\]\(\\\\\)*[^\\]$" end="^$" contains=ptcapEscapedChar,ptcapLineCont keepend contained
 syn region ptcapComment	    start="^\s*#" end="$" contains=ptcapLeadBlank
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ptcap_syntax_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_ptcap_syntax_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink ptcapComment		Comment
-    HiLink ptcapDelimiter	Delimiter
-    " The highlighting of "ptcapEntry" should always be overridden by
-    " its contents, so I use Todo highlighting to indicate that there
-    " is work to be done with the syntax file if you can see it :-)
-    HiLink ptcapEntry		Todo
-    HiLink ptcapError		Error
-    HiLink ptcapEscapedChar	SpecialChar
-    HiLink ptcapField		Type
-    HiLink ptcapLeadBlank	NONE
-    HiLink ptcapLineCont	Special
-    HiLink ptcapNames		Label
-    HiLink ptcapNumber		NONE
-    HiLink ptcapNumberError	Error
-    HiLink ptcapOperator	Operator
-    HiLink ptcapSpecialCap	Type
-    HiLink ptcapString		NONE
+HiLink ptcapComment		Comment
+HiLink ptcapDelimiter	Delimiter
+" The highlighting of "ptcapEntry" should always be overridden by
+" its contents, so I use Todo highlighting to indicate that there
+" is work to be done with the syntax file if you can see it :-)
+HiLink ptcapEntry		Todo
+HiLink ptcapError		Error
+HiLink ptcapEscapedChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink ptcapField		Type
+HiLink ptcapLeadBlank	NONE
+HiLink ptcapLineCont	Special
+HiLink ptcapNames		Label
+HiLink ptcapNumber		NONE
+HiLink ptcapNumberError	Error
+HiLink ptcapOperator	Operator
+HiLink ptcapSpecialCap	Type
+HiLink ptcapString		NONE
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ptcap"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/purifylog.vim b/runtime/syntax/purifylog.vim
index 8bcfb4b006..b56ca6ae1d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/purifylog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/purifylog.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Gautam H. Mudunuri <gmudunur@informatica.com>
 " Last Change:	2003 May 11
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -57,62 +54,54 @@ syn match purifyLogZPR "^ZPR:.*$"
 syn match purifyLogZPW "^ZPW:.*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_purifyLog_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_purifyLog_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink purifyLogFIU purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogMAF purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogMIU purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogSIG purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogWPF purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogWPM purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogWPN purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogWPR purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogWPW purifyLogInformational
-	HiLink purifyLogWPX purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogFIU purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogMAF purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogMIU purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogSIG purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogWPF purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogWPM purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogWPN purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogWPR purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogWPW purifyLogInformational
+HiLink purifyLogWPX purifyLogInformational
 
-	HiLink purifyLogABR purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogBSR purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogBSW purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogFMR purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogMLK purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogMSE purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogPAR purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogPLK purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogSBR purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogSOF purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogUMC purifyLogWarning
-	HiLink purifyLogUMR purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogABR purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogBSR purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogBSW purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogFMR purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogMLK purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogMSE purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogPAR purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogPLK purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogSBR purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogSOF purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogUMC purifyLogWarning
+HiLink purifyLogUMR purifyLogWarning
 
-	HiLink purifyLogABW purifyLogCorrupting
-	HiLink purifyLogBRK purifyLogCorrupting
-	HiLink purifyLogFMW purifyLogCorrupting
-	HiLink purifyLogFNH purifyLogCorrupting
-	HiLink purifyLogFUM purifyLogCorrupting
-	HiLink purifyLogMRE purifyLogCorrupting
-	HiLink purifyLogSBW purifyLogCorrupting
+HiLink purifyLogABW purifyLogCorrupting
+HiLink purifyLogBRK purifyLogCorrupting
+HiLink purifyLogFMW purifyLogCorrupting
+HiLink purifyLogFNH purifyLogCorrupting
+HiLink purifyLogFUM purifyLogCorrupting
+HiLink purifyLogMRE purifyLogCorrupting
+HiLink purifyLogSBW purifyLogCorrupting
 
-	HiLink purifyLogCOR purifyLogFatal
-	HiLink purifyLogNPR purifyLogFatal
-	HiLink purifyLogNPW purifyLogFatal
-	HiLink purifyLogZPR purifyLogFatal
-	HiLink purifyLogZPW purifyLogFatal
+HiLink purifyLogCOR purifyLogFatal
+HiLink purifyLogNPR purifyLogFatal
+HiLink purifyLogNPW purifyLogFatal
+HiLink purifyLogZPR purifyLogFatal
+HiLink purifyLogZPW purifyLogFatal
 
-	HiLink purifyLogHeader		Comment
-	HiLink purifyLogInformational	PreProc
-	HiLink purifyLogWarning		Type
-	HiLink purifyLogCorrupting	Error
-	HiLink purifyLogFatal		Error
+HiLink purifyLogHeader		Comment
+HiLink purifyLogInformational	PreProc
+HiLink purifyLogWarning		Type
+HiLink purifyLogCorrupting	Error
+HiLink purifyLogFatal		Error
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "purifylog"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/pyrex.vim b/runtime/syntax/pyrex.vim
index 7dc9b955b0..cd743df889 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/pyrex.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/pyrex.vim
@@ -4,21 +4,14 @@
 " URL:		http://marcobari.altervista.org/pyrex_vim.html
 " Last Change:	2009 Nov 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the Python syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/python.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/python.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/python.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " Pyrex extentions
 syn keyword pyrexStatement      cdef typedef ctypedef sizeof
@@ -44,24 +37,17 @@ syn match   pythonInclude     "from"
 syn match   pyrexForFrom        "\(for[^:]*\)\@<=from"
 
 " Default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_pyrex_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_pyrex_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink pyrexStatement		Statement
-  HiLink pyrexType		Type
-  HiLink pyrexStructure		Structure
-  HiLink pyrexInclude		PreCondit
-  HiLink pyrexAccess		pyrexStatement
-  if exists("python_highlight_builtins") || exists("pyrex_highlight_builtins")
-      HiLink pyrexBuiltin	Function
-  endif
-  HiLink pyrexForFrom		Statement
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink pyrexStatement		Statement
+HiLink pyrexType		Type
+HiLink pyrexStructure		Structure
+HiLink pyrexInclude		PreCondit
+HiLink pyrexAccess		pyrexStatement
+if exists("python_highlight_builtins") || exists("pyrex_highlight_builtins")
+HiLink pyrexBuiltin	Function
 endif
+HiLink pyrexForFrom		Statement
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "pyrex"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/python.vim b/runtime/syntax/python.vim
index f0f03a8c8d..e44721b7fa 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/python.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/python.vim
@@ -36,11 +36,8 @@
 "   let python_highlight_all = 1
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -292,51 +289,44 @@ endif
 " Sync at the beginning of class, function, or method definition.
 syn sync match pythonSync grouphere NONE "^\s*\%(def\|class\)\s\+\h\w*\s*("
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_python_syn_inits")
-  if version <= 508
-    let did_python_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default highlight links.  Can be overridden later.
-  HiLink pythonStatement	Statement
-  HiLink pythonConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink pythonRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink pythonOperator		Operator
-  HiLink pythonException	Exception
-  HiLink pythonInclude		Include
-  HiLink pythonAsync		Statement
-  HiLink pythonDecorator	Define
-  HiLink pythonDecoratorName	Function
-  HiLink pythonFunction		Function
-  HiLink pythonComment		Comment
-  HiLink pythonTodo		Todo
-  HiLink pythonString		String
-  HiLink pythonRawString	String
-  HiLink pythonQuotes		String
-  HiLink pythonTripleQuotes	pythonQuotes
-  HiLink pythonEscape		Special
-  if !exists("python_no_number_highlight")
-    HiLink pythonNumber		Number
-  endif
-  if !exists("python_no_builtin_highlight")
-    HiLink pythonBuiltin	Function
-  endif
-  if !exists("python_no_exception_highlight")
-    HiLink pythonExceptions	Structure
-  endif
-  if exists("python_space_error_highlight")
-    HiLink pythonSpaceError	Error
-  endif
-  if !exists("python_no_doctest_highlight")
-    HiLink pythonDoctest	Special
-    HiLink pythonDoctestValue	Define
-  endif
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+" The default highlight links.  Can be overridden later.
+HiLink pythonStatement	Statement
+HiLink pythonConditional	Conditional
+HiLink pythonRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink pythonOperator		Operator
+HiLink pythonException	Exception
+HiLink pythonInclude		Include
+HiLink pythonAsync		Statement
+HiLink pythonDecorator	Define
+HiLink pythonDecoratorName	Function
+HiLink pythonFunction		Function
+HiLink pythonComment		Comment
+HiLink pythonTodo		Todo
+HiLink pythonString		String
+HiLink pythonRawString	String
+HiLink pythonQuotes		String
+HiLink pythonTripleQuotes	pythonQuotes
+HiLink pythonEscape		Special
+if !exists("python_no_number_highlight")
+  HiLink pythonNumber		Number
 endif
+if !exists("python_no_builtin_highlight")
+  HiLink pythonBuiltin	Function
+endif
+if !exists("python_no_exception_highlight")
+  HiLink pythonExceptions	Structure
+endif
+if exists("python_space_error_highlight")
+  HiLink pythonSpaceError	Error
+endif
+if !exists("python_no_doctest_highlight")
+  HiLink pythonDoctest	Special
+  HiLink pythonDoctestValue	Define
+endif
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "python"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/radiance.vim b/runtime/syntax/radiance.vim
index 461b708f0e..134792ac11 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/radiance.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/radiance.vim
@@ -18,20 +18,13 @@
 " comments, external command names and the null-modifier "void".
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " all printing characters except '#' and '!' are valid in names.
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=\",$-~
-else
-  set iskeyword=\",$-~
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=\",$-~
 
 " The null-modifier
 syn keyword radianceKeyword void
@@ -130,29 +123,21 @@ syn keyword radianceTodo contained TODO XXX
 syn match radianceComment "#.*$" contains=radianceTodo
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_radiance_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_radiance_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink radianceKeyword	Keyword
-  HiLink radianceExtraType	Type
-  HiLink radianceSurfType	Type
-  HiLink radianceLightType	Type
-  HiLink radianceMatType	Type
-  HiLink radiancePatType	Type
-  HiLink radianceTexType	Type
-  HiLink radianceMixType	Type
-  HiLink radianceComment	Comment
-  HiLink radianceCommand	Function
-  HiLink radianceID		String
-  HiLink radianceTodo		Todo
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink radianceKeyword	Keyword
+HiLink radianceExtraType	Type
+HiLink radianceSurfType	Type
+HiLink radianceLightType	Type
+HiLink radianceMatType	Type
+HiLink radiancePatType	Type
+HiLink radianceTexType	Type
+HiLink radianceMixType	Type
+HiLink radianceComment	Comment
+HiLink radianceCommand	Function
+HiLink radianceID		String
+HiLink radianceTodo		Todo
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "radiance"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ratpoison.vim b/runtime/syntax/ratpoison.vim
index 9fc59bec0d..30cf369803 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ratpoison.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ratpoison.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2011 Apr 11
 " Previous Maintainer:	Doug Kearns <djkea2@gus.gscit.monash.edu.au>
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -247,33 +244,25 @@ syn match   ratpoisonVoidCommand	"^\s*\zsvsplit\ze\s*$"
 syn match   ratpoisonVoidCommand	"^\s*\zswindows\ze\s*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_ratpoison_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_ratpoison_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink ratpoisonBooleanArg	Boolean
-  HiLink ratpoisonCommandArg	Keyword
-  HiLink ratpoisonComment	Comment
-  HiLink ratpoisonDefCommand	Identifier
-  HiLink ratpoisonGravityArg	Constant
-  HiLink ratpoisonKeySeqArg	Special
-  HiLink ratpoisonNumberArg	Number
-  HiLink ratpoisonSetArg	Keyword
-  HiLink ratpoisonStringCommand	Identifier
-  HiLink ratpoisonTodo		Todo
-  HiLink ratpoisonVoidCommand	Identifier
-  HiLink ratpoisonWinFmtArg	Special
-  HiLink ratpoisonWinNameArg	Constant
-  HiLink ratpoisonWinListArg	Constant
+HiLink ratpoisonBooleanArg	Boolean
+HiLink ratpoisonCommandArg	Keyword
+HiLink ratpoisonComment	Comment
+HiLink ratpoisonDefCommand	Identifier
+HiLink ratpoisonGravityArg	Constant
+HiLink ratpoisonKeySeqArg	Special
+HiLink ratpoisonNumberArg	Number
+HiLink ratpoisonSetArg	Keyword
+HiLink ratpoisonStringCommand	Identifier
+HiLink ratpoisonTodo		Todo
+HiLink ratpoisonVoidCommand	Identifier
+HiLink ratpoisonWinFmtArg	Special
+HiLink ratpoisonWinNameArg	Constant
+HiLink ratpoisonWinListArg	Constant
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "ratpoison"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rc.vim b/runtime/syntax/rc.vim
index a2d5824d3e..13900b339a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rc.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 " This file is based on the c.vim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -148,55 +145,47 @@ syn region rcPreProc		start="^\s*#\s*\(pragma\>\|line\>\|warning\>\|warn\>\|erro
 syn sync ccomment rcComment minlines=10
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rc_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_rc_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink rcCharacter	Character
-  HiLink rcSpecialCharacter rcSpecial
-  HiLink rcNumber	Number
-  HiLink rcFloat	Float
-  HiLink rcOctalError	rcError
-  HiLink rcParenError	rcError
-  HiLink rcInParen	rcError
-  HiLink rcCommentError	rcError
-  HiLink rcInclude	Include
-  HiLink rcPreProc	PreProc
-  HiLink rcDefine	Macro
-  HiLink rcIncluded	rcString
-  HiLink rcError	Error
-  HiLink rcPreCondit	PreCondit
-  HiLink rcCommentString rcString
-  HiLink rcComment2String rcString
-  HiLink rcCommentSkip	rcComment
-  HiLink rcString	String
-  HiLink rcComment	Comment
-  HiLink rcSpecial	SpecialChar
-  HiLink rcTodo	Todo
+HiLink rcCharacter	Character
+HiLink rcSpecialCharacter rcSpecial
+HiLink rcNumber	Number
+HiLink rcFloat	Float
+HiLink rcOctalError	rcError
+HiLink rcParenError	rcError
+HiLink rcInParen	rcError
+HiLink rcCommentError	rcError
+HiLink rcInclude	Include
+HiLink rcPreProc	PreProc
+HiLink rcDefine	Macro
+HiLink rcIncluded	rcString
+HiLink rcError	Error
+HiLink rcPreCondit	PreCondit
+HiLink rcCommentString rcString
+HiLink rcComment2String rcString
+HiLink rcCommentSkip	rcComment
+HiLink rcString	String
+HiLink rcComment	Comment
+HiLink rcSpecial	SpecialChar
+HiLink rcTodo	Todo
 
-  HiLink rcAttribute	rcCommonAttribute
-  HiLink rcStdId	rcStatement
-  HiLink rcStatement	Statement
+HiLink rcAttribute	rcCommonAttribute
+HiLink rcStdId	rcStatement
+HiLink rcStatement	Statement
 
-  " Default color overrides
-  hi def rcLanguage	term=reverse ctermbg=Red ctermfg=Yellow guibg=Red guifg=Yellow
-  hi def rcMainObject	term=underline ctermfg=Blue guifg=Blue
-  hi def rcSubObject	ctermfg=Green guifg=Green
-  hi def rcCaptionParam	term=underline ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=Green
-  hi def rcParam	ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=DarkGreen
-  hi def rcStatement	ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=DarkGreen
-  hi def rcCommonAttribute	ctermfg=Brown guifg=Brown
+" Default color overrides
+hi def rcLanguage	term=reverse ctermbg=Red ctermfg=Yellow guibg=Red guifg=Yellow
+hi def rcMainObject	term=underline ctermfg=Blue guifg=Blue
+hi def rcSubObject	ctermfg=Green guifg=Green
+hi def rcCaptionParam	term=underline ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=Green
+hi def rcParam	ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=DarkGreen
+hi def rcStatement	ctermfg=DarkGreen guifg=DarkGreen
+hi def rcCommonAttribute	ctermfg=Brown guifg=Brown
 
-  "HiLink rcIdentifier	Identifier
+"HiLink rcIdentifier	Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "rc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rcs.vim b/runtime/syntax/rcs.vim
index e45d5fdbb6..5fa66c49b0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rcs.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rcs.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " Options:
 "   rcs_folding = 1   For folding strings
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -52,25 +49,17 @@ else
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already.
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rcs_syn_inits")
-  if version <= 508
-    let did_rcs_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink rcsKeyword     Keyword
-  HiLink rcsNumber      Identifier
-  HiLink rcsString      String
-  HiLink rcsTextStr     String
-  HiLink rcsSpecial     Special
-  HiLink rcsDiffLines   Special
-  HiLink rcsEOFError    Error
+HiLink rcsKeyword     Keyword
+HiLink rcsNumber      Identifier
+HiLink rcsString      String
+HiLink rcsTextStr     String
+HiLink rcsSpecial     Special
+HiLink rcsDiffLines   Special
+HiLink rcsEOFError    Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "rcs"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rcslog.vim b/runtime/syntax/rcslog.vim
index acacfa124b..8451852993 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rcslog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rcslog.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Joe Karthauser <joe@freebsd.org>
 " Last Change:	2001 May 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -16,22 +13,14 @@ syn match rcslogFile		"^RCS file:.*"
 syn match rcslogDate		"^date: .*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rcslog_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_rcslog_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink rcslogFile		Type
-  HiLink rcslogRevision	Constant
-  HiLink rcslogDate		Identifier
+HiLink rcslogFile		Type
+HiLink rcslogRevision	Constant
+HiLink rcslogDate		Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "rcslog"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rebol.vim b/runtime/syntax/rebol.vim
index e6395758f3..9c367b01b7 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rebol.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rebol.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.eandem.co.uk/mrw/vim
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -18,11 +15,7 @@ endif
 syn case ignore
 
 " As per current users documentation
-if version < 600
-  set isk=@,48-57,?,!,.,',+,-,*,&,\|,=,_,~
-else
-  setlocal isk=@,48-57,?,!,.,',+,-,*,&,\|,=,_,~
-endif
+setlocal isk=@,48-57,?,!,.,',+,-,*,&,\|,=,_,~
 
 " Yer TODO highlighter
 syn keyword	rebolTodo	contained TODO
@@ -145,65 +138,57 @@ syn keyword     rebolConstant   none
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rebol_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_rebol_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink rebolTodo     Todo
+HiLink rebolTodo     Todo
 
-  HiLink rebolStatement Statement
-  HiLink rebolLabel	Label
-  HiLink rebolConditional Conditional
-  HiLink rebolRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink rebolStatement Statement
+HiLink rebolLabel	Label
+HiLink rebolConditional Conditional
+HiLink rebolRepeat	Repeat
 
-  HiLink rebolOperator	Operator
-  HiLink rebolLogicOperator rebolOperator
-  HiLink rebolLogicFunction rebolLogicOperator
-  HiLink rebolMathOperator rebolOperator
-  HiLink rebolMathFunction rebolMathOperator
-  HiLink rebolBinaryOperator rebolOperator
-  HiLink rebolBinaryFunction rebolBinaryOperator
+HiLink rebolOperator	Operator
+HiLink rebolLogicOperator rebolOperator
+HiLink rebolLogicFunction rebolLogicOperator
+HiLink rebolMathOperator rebolOperator
+HiLink rebolMathFunction rebolMathOperator
+HiLink rebolBinaryOperator rebolOperator
+HiLink rebolBinaryFunction rebolBinaryOperator
 
-  HiLink rebolType     Type
-  HiLink rebolTypeFunction rebolOperator
+HiLink rebolType     Type
+HiLink rebolTypeFunction rebolOperator
 
-  HiLink rebolWord     Identifier
-  HiLink rebolWordPath rebolWord
-  HiLink rebolFunction	Function
+HiLink rebolWord     Identifier
+HiLink rebolWordPath rebolWord
+HiLink rebolFunction	Function
 
-  HiLink rebolCharacter Character
-  HiLink rebolSpecialCharacter SpecialChar
-  HiLink rebolString	String
+HiLink rebolCharacter Character
+HiLink rebolSpecialCharacter SpecialChar
+HiLink rebolString	String
 
-  HiLink rebolNumber   Number
-  HiLink rebolInteger  rebolNumber
-  HiLink rebolDecimal  rebolNumber
-  HiLink rebolTime     rebolNumber
-  HiLink rebolDate     rebolNumber
-  HiLink rebolMoney    rebolNumber
-  HiLink rebolBinary   rebolNumber
-  HiLink rebolEmail    rebolString
-  HiLink rebolFile     rebolString
-  HiLink rebolURL      rebolString
-  HiLink rebolIssue    rebolNumber
-  HiLink rebolTuple    rebolNumber
-  HiLink rebolFloat    Float
-  HiLink rebolBoolean  Boolean
+HiLink rebolNumber   Number
+HiLink rebolInteger  rebolNumber
+HiLink rebolDecimal  rebolNumber
+HiLink rebolTime     rebolNumber
+HiLink rebolDate     rebolNumber
+HiLink rebolMoney    rebolNumber
+HiLink rebolBinary   rebolNumber
+HiLink rebolEmail    rebolString
+HiLink rebolFile     rebolString
+HiLink rebolURL      rebolString
+HiLink rebolIssue    rebolNumber
+HiLink rebolTuple    rebolNumber
+HiLink rebolFloat    Float
+HiLink rebolBoolean  Boolean
 
-  HiLink rebolConstant Constant
+HiLink rebolConstant Constant
 
-  HiLink rebolComment	Comment
+HiLink rebolComment	Comment
 
-  HiLink rebolError	Error
+HiLink rebolError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 if exists("my_rebol_file")
   if file_readable(expand(my_rebol_file))
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/redif.vim b/runtime/syntax/redif.vim
index 1a44a9f479..725067fd32 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/redif.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/redif.vim
@@ -7,10 +7,8 @@
 " File Extension:    rdf
 " Note:              The ReDIF format is used by RePEc.
 
-" To be compatible with Vim 5.8 use:
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/registry.vim b/runtime/syntax/registry.vim
index 4524247a08..652b609f09 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/registry.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/registry.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 "		Included patch from Alexander A. Ulitin
 
 " clear any unwanted syntax defs
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -85,29 +82,22 @@ syn match registryHex		"^\s*\([0-9a-fA-F]\{2},\)\{0,999}\([0-9a-fA-F]\{2}\|\\\)$
 " Dword (32 bits)
 syn match registryDword		"dword:[0-9a-fA-F]\{8}$" contains=registrySpecial
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_registry_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_registry_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
 " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-   HiLink registryComment	Comment
-   HiLink registryHead		Constant
-   HiLink registryHKEY		Constant
-   HiLink registryPath		Special
-   HiLink registryRemove	PreProc
-   HiLink registryGUID		Identifier
-   HiLink registrySpecial	Special
-   HiLink registrySubKey	Type
-   HiLink registryString	String
-   HiLink registryHex		Number
-   HiLink registryDword		Number
+HiLink registryComment	Comment
+HiLink registryHead		Constant
+HiLink registryHKEY		Constant
+HiLink registryPath		Special
+HiLink registryRemove	PreProc
+HiLink registryGUID		Identifier
+HiLink registrySpecial	Special
+HiLink registrySubKey	Type
+HiLink registryString	String
+HiLink registryHex		Number
+HiLink registryDword		Number
 
-   delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "registry"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/remind.vim b/runtime/syntax/remind.vim
index 98064e043a..8e4e554343 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/remind.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/remind.vim
@@ -13,9 +13,8 @@
 " version 0.7: updated email and link
 " version 0.6: added THROUGH keyword (courtesy of Ben Orchard)
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -48,35 +47,28 @@ syn match remindDates		"'[0-9]\{4}[/-][0-9]\{1,2}[/-][0-9]\{1,2}\(@[0-9]\{1,2}[:
 syn match remindWarning		display excludenl "\S\s\+$"ms=s+1
 
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_remind_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_remind_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink remindCommands		Function
-  HiLink remindExpiry		Repeat
-  HiLink remindTag		Label
-  HiLink remindTimed		Statement
-  HiLink remindMove		Statement
-  HiLink remindSpecial		Include
-  HiLink remindRun		Function
-  HiLink remindConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink remindComment		Comment
-  HiLink remindTimes		String
-  HiLink remindString		String
-  HiLink remindDebug		Debug
-  HiLink remindVar		Identifier
-  HiLink remindSubst		Constant
-  HiLink remindAdvanceNumber	Number
-  HiLink remindDateSeparators	Comment
-  HiLink remindDates		String
-  HiLink remindWarning		Error
+HiLink remindCommands		Function
+HiLink remindExpiry		Repeat
+HiLink remindTag		Label
+HiLink remindTimed		Statement
+HiLink remindMove		Statement
+HiLink remindSpecial		Include
+HiLink remindRun		Function
+HiLink remindConditional	Conditional
+HiLink remindComment		Comment
+HiLink remindTimes		String
+HiLink remindString		String
+HiLink remindDebug		Debug
+HiLink remindVar		Identifier
+HiLink remindSubst		Constant
+HiLink remindAdvanceNumber	Number
+HiLink remindDateSeparators	Comment
+HiLink remindDates		String
+HiLink remindWarning		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "remind"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/resolv.vim b/runtime/syntax/resolv.vim
index 06d6885c1c..1744e66f82 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/resolv.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/resolv.vim
@@ -9,9 +9,8 @@
 "   David Necas (Yeti) <yeti@physics.muni.cz>
 "   Stefano Zacchiroli <zack@debian.org>
 
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -50,38 +49,31 @@ syn match resolvOption /\<\%(ndots\|timeout\|attempts\):\d\+\>/ contained contai
 " Additional errors
 syn match resolvError /^search .\{257,}/
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_config_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_config_syntax_inits = 1
-		command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink resolvIP Number
-	HiLink resolvIPNetmask Number
-	HiLink resolvHostname String
-	HiLink resolvOption String
+HiLink resolvIP Number
+HiLink resolvIPNetmask Number
+HiLink resolvHostname String
+HiLink resolvOption String
 
-	HiLink resolvIPNameserver Number
-	HiLink resolvHostnameSearch String
-	HiLink resolvIPNetmaskSortList Number
+HiLink resolvIPNameserver Number
+HiLink resolvHostnameSearch String
+HiLink resolvIPNetmaskSortList Number
 
-	HiLink resolvNameServer Identifier
-	HiLink resolvLwserver Identifier
-	HiLink resolvDomain Identifier
-	HiLink resolvSearch Identifier
-	HiLink resolvSortList Identifier
-	HiLink resolvOptions Identifier
+HiLink resolvNameServer Identifier
+HiLink resolvLwserver Identifier
+HiLink resolvDomain Identifier
+HiLink resolvSearch Identifier
+HiLink resolvSortList Identifier
+HiLink resolvOptions Identifier
 
-	HiLink resolvComment Comment
-	HiLink resolvOperator Operator
-	HiLink resolvError Error
-	HiLink resolvIPError Error
-	HiLink resolvIPSpecial Special
+HiLink resolvComment Comment
+HiLink resolvOperator Operator
+HiLink resolvError Error
+HiLink resolvIPError Error
+HiLink resolvIPSpecial Special
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "resolv"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/reva.vim b/runtime/syntax/reva.vim
index 03dfc9d4c3..f605992190 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/reva.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/reva.vim
@@ -7,13 +7,8 @@
 " Filetypes:	*.rf *.frt
 " NOTE: 	You should also have the ftplugin/reva.vim file to set 'isk'
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items and don't load
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-  echo "Reva syntax file requires version 6.0 or later of vim!"
-  finish
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rexx.vim b/runtime/syntax/rexx.vim
index ef698a5351..b22af93c18 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rexx.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rexx.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Special Thanks to Dan Sharp <dwsharp@hotmail.com> and Rony G. Flatscher
 " <Rony.Flatscher@wu-wien.ac.at> for comments and additions
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -244,87 +241,79 @@ syn sync linecont "\(,\|-\ze-\@!\)\ze\s*\(--.*\|\/\*.*\)*$"
 exec "syn sync fromstart"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rexx_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_rexx_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " make binary and hex strings stand out
-  hi rexxStringConstant term=bold,underline ctermfg=5 cterm=bold guifg=darkMagenta gui=bold
+" make binary and hex strings stand out
+hi rexxStringConstant term=bold,underline ctermfg=5 cterm=bold guifg=darkMagenta gui=bold
 
-  HiLink rexxLabel2		Function
-  HiLink doLoopSelectLabelRegion	rexxKeyword
-  HiLink endIterateLeaveLabelRegion	rexxKeyword
-  HiLink rexxLoopKeywords	rexxKeyword " Todo
+HiLink rexxLabel2		Function
+HiLink doLoopSelectLabelRegion	rexxKeyword
+HiLink endIterateLeaveLabelRegion	rexxKeyword
+HiLink rexxLoopKeywords	rexxKeyword " Todo
 
-  HiLink rexxNumber		Normal "DiffChange
+HiLink rexxNumber		Normal "DiffChange
 "  HiLink rexxIdentifier		DiffChange
 
-  HiLink rexxRegularCallSignal	Statement
-  HiLink rexxExceptionHandling	Statement
+HiLink rexxRegularCallSignal	Statement
+HiLink rexxExceptionHandling	Statement
 
-  HiLink rexxLabel		Function
-  HiLink rexxCharacter		Character
-  HiLink rexxParenError		rexxError
-  HiLink rexxInParen		rexxError
-  HiLink rexxCommentError	rexxError
-  HiLink rexxError		Error
-  HiLink rexxKeyword		Statement
-  HiLink rexxKeywordStatements	Statement
+HiLink rexxLabel		Function
+HiLink rexxCharacter		Character
+HiLink rexxParenError		rexxError
+HiLink rexxInParen		rexxError
+HiLink rexxCommentError	rexxError
+HiLink rexxError		Error
+HiLink rexxKeyword		Statement
+HiLink rexxKeywordStatements	Statement
 
-  HiLink rexxFunction		Function
-  HiLink rexxString		String
-  HiLink rexxComment		Comment
-  HiLink rexxTodo		Todo
-  HiLink rexxSpecialVariable	Special
-  HiLink rexxConditional	rexxKeyword
+HiLink rexxFunction		Function
+HiLink rexxString		String
+HiLink rexxComment		Comment
+HiLink rexxTodo		Todo
+HiLink rexxSpecialVariable	Special
+HiLink rexxConditional	rexxKeyword
 
-  HiLink rexxOperator		Operator
-  HiLink rexxMessageOperator	rexxOperator
-  HiLink rexxLineComment	Comment
+HiLink rexxOperator		Operator
+HiLink rexxMessageOperator	rexxOperator
+HiLink rexxLineComment	Comment
 
-  HiLink rexxLineContinue	WildMenu
+HiLink rexxLineContinue	WildMenu
 
-  HiLink rexxDirective		rexxKeyword
-  HiLink rexxClassDirective	Type
-  HiLink rexxMethodDirective	rexxFunction
-  HiLink rexxAttributeDirective	rexxFunction
-  HiLink rexxRequiresDirective	Include
-  HiLink rexxRoutineDirective	rexxFunction
+HiLink rexxDirective		rexxKeyword
+HiLink rexxClassDirective	Type
+HiLink rexxMethodDirective	rexxFunction
+HiLink rexxAttributeDirective	rexxFunction
+HiLink rexxRequiresDirective	Include
+HiLink rexxRoutineDirective	rexxFunction
 
 " rgf, 2012-09-09
-  HiLink rexxOptionsDirective	rexxFunction
-  HiLink rexxOptionsDirective2  rexxOptionsDirective
-  HiLink rexxOptionsDirective3  Normal " rexxOptionsDirective
+HiLink rexxOptionsDirective	rexxFunction
+HiLink rexxOptionsDirective2  rexxOptionsDirective
+HiLink rexxOptionsDirective3  Normal " rexxOptionsDirective
 
-  HiLink rexxConstantDirective	rexxFunction
+HiLink rexxConstantDirective	rexxFunction
 
-  HiLink rexxConst		Constant
-  HiLink rexxTypeSpecifier	Type
-  HiLink rexxBuiltinClass	rexxTypeSpecifier
+HiLink rexxConst		Constant
+HiLink rexxTypeSpecifier	Type
+HiLink rexxBuiltinClass	rexxTypeSpecifier
 
-  HiLink rexxEnvironmentSymbol  rexxConst
-  HiLink rexxMessage		rexxFunction
+HiLink rexxEnvironmentSymbol  rexxConst
+HiLink rexxMessage		rexxFunction
 
-  HiLink rexxParse              rexxKeyword
-  HiLink rexxParse2             rexxParse
+HiLink rexxParse              rexxKeyword
+HiLink rexxParse2             rexxParse
 
-  HiLink rexxGuard              rexxKeyword
-  HiLink rexxTrace              rexxKeyword
+HiLink rexxGuard              rexxKeyword
+HiLink rexxTrace              rexxKeyword
 
-  HiLink rexxRaise              rexxKeyword
-  HiLink rexxRaise2             rexxRaise
+HiLink rexxRaise              rexxKeyword
+HiLink rexxRaise2             rexxRaise
 
-  HiLink rexxForward            rexxKeyword
-  HiLink rexxForward2           rexxForward
+HiLink rexxForward            rexxKeyword
+HiLink rexxForward2           rexxForward
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "rexx"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rib.vim b/runtime/syntax/rib.vim
index 6b9f2b0bd4..3d2235ffcb 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rib.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rib.vim
@@ -4,10 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2003 May 11
 "
 
-" Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -46,26 +44,19 @@ syn match	ribFloat	  display contained "[-]\=\.\d\+\(e[-+]\=\d\+\)\=\>"
 syn match	ribFloat	  display contained "[-]\=\d\+e[-+]\d\+\>"
 syn case match
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rib_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_rib_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink ribStructure		Structure
-  HiLink ribCommand		Statement
+HiLink ribStructure		Structure
+HiLink ribCommand		Statement
 
-  HiLink ribStructureComment	SpecialComment
-  HiLink ribLineComment		Comment
+HiLink ribStructureComment	SpecialComment
+HiLink ribLineComment		Comment
 
-  HiLink ribString		String
-  HiLink ribNumber		Number
-  HiLink ribFloat		Float
+HiLink ribString		String
+HiLink ribNumber		Number
+HiLink ribFloat		Float
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-end
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "rib"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/robots.vim b/runtime/syntax/robots.vim
index 066628bb3c..23be8d2280 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/robots.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/robots.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " URL: http://www.mggen.com/vim/syntax/robots.zip
 " Last change:	2001 May 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -41,26 +38,19 @@ syn match  robotsUrl		"http[s]\=://\S*"
 syn match  robotsMail		"\S*@\S*"
 syn region robotsString		start=+L\="+ skip=+\\\\\|\\"+ end=+"+
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_robos_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_robots_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink robotsComment		Comment
-  HiLink robotsAgent		Type
-  HiLink robotsDisallow		Statement
-  HiLink robotsLine		Special
-  HiLink robotsStar		Operator
-  HiLink robotsDelimiter	Delimiter
-  HiLink robotsUrl		String
-  HiLink robotsMail		String
-  HiLink robotsString		String
+HiLink robotsComment		Comment
+HiLink robotsAgent		Type
+HiLink robotsDisallow		Statement
+HiLink robotsLine		Special
+HiLink robotsStar		Operator
+HiLink robotsDelimiter	Delimiter
+HiLink robotsUrl		String
+HiLink robotsMail		String
+HiLink robotsString		String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "robots"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rpcgen.vim b/runtime/syntax/rpcgen.vim
index 85036dc049..ee4cc3fdab 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rpcgen.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rpcgen.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,7 @@ if exists("b:current_syntax")
 endif
 
 " Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/c.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/c.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/c.vim
 
 syn keyword rpcProgram	program				skipnl skipwhite nextgroup=rpcProgName
 syn match   rpcProgName	contained	"\<\i\I*\>"	skipnl skipwhite nextgroup=rpcProgZone
@@ -28,31 +24,23 @@ syn match   rpcProgNmbrErr contained	"=\s*0x[^23]\x*"ms=s+1
 syn match   rpcPassThru			"^\s*%.*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rpcgen_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_rpcgen_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink rpcProgName	rpcName
-  HiLink rpcProgram	rpcStatement
-  HiLink rpcVersName	rpcName
-  HiLink rpcVersion	rpcStatement
+HiLink rpcProgName	rpcName
+HiLink rpcProgram	rpcStatement
+HiLink rpcVersName	rpcName
+HiLink rpcVersion	rpcStatement
 
-  HiLink rpcDecl	cType
-  HiLink rpcPassThru	cComment
+HiLink rpcDecl	cType
+HiLink rpcPassThru	cComment
 
-  HiLink rpcName	Special
-  HiLink rpcProcNmbr	Delimiter
-  HiLink rpcProgNmbrErr	Error
-  HiLink rpcStatement	Statement
+HiLink rpcName	Special
+HiLink rpcProcNmbr	Delimiter
+HiLink rpcProgNmbrErr	Error
+HiLink rpcStatement	Statement
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "rpcgen"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rpl.vim b/runtime/syntax/rpl.vim
index 6457803a06..d2bffbaaae 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rpl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rpl.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.makalis.fr/~bertrand/rpl2/download/vim/indent/rpl.vim
 " Credits:	Nothing
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -417,77 +414,69 @@ syntax region rplString start=+\(^\|\s\+\)"+ end=+"\ze\($\|\s\+\)+ contains=rplS
 syntax match rplTab "\t"  transparent
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rpl_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_rpl_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink highlight link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink highlight default link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink highlight default link <args>
 
-  " The default highlighting.
+" The default highlighting.
 
-  HiLink rplControl		Statement
-  HiLink rplStatement		Statement
-  HiLink rplAlgConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink rplConditional		Repeat
-  HiLink rplConditionalError	Error
-  HiLink rplRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink rplCycle		Repeat
-  HiLink rplUntil		Repeat
-  HiLink rplIntrinsic		Special
-  HiLink rplStorage		StorageClass
-  HiLink rplStorageExpr		StorageClass
-  HiLink rplStorageError	Error
-  HiLink rplReadWrite		rplIntrinsic
+HiLink rplControl		Statement
+HiLink rplStatement		Statement
+HiLink rplAlgConditional	Conditional
+HiLink rplConditional		Repeat
+HiLink rplConditionalError	Error
+HiLink rplRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink rplCycle		Repeat
+HiLink rplUntil		Repeat
+HiLink rplIntrinsic		Special
+HiLink rplStorage		StorageClass
+HiLink rplStorageExpr		StorageClass
+HiLink rplStorageError	Error
+HiLink rplReadWrite		rplIntrinsic
 
-  HiLink rplOperator		Operator
+HiLink rplOperator		Operator
 
-  HiLink rplList		Special
-  HiLink rplArray		Special
-  HiLink rplConstant		Identifier
-  HiLink rplExpr		Type
+HiLink rplList		Special
+HiLink rplArray		Special
+HiLink rplConstant		Identifier
+HiLink rplExpr		Type
 
-  HiLink rplString		String
-  HiLink rplStringGuilles	String
-  HiLink rplStringAntislash	String
+HiLink rplString		String
+HiLink rplStringGuilles	String
+HiLink rplStringAntislash	String
 
-  HiLink rplBinary		Boolean
-  HiLink rplOctal		Boolean
-  HiLink rplDecimal		Boolean
-  HiLink rplHexadecimal		Boolean
-  HiLink rplInteger		Number
-  HiLink rplFloat		Float
-  HiLink rplComplex		Float
-  HiLink rplBoolean		Identifier
+HiLink rplBinary		Boolean
+HiLink rplOctal		Boolean
+HiLink rplDecimal		Boolean
+HiLink rplHexadecimal		Boolean
+HiLink rplInteger		Number
+HiLink rplFloat		Float
+HiLink rplComplex		Float
+HiLink rplBoolean		Identifier
 
-  HiLink rplObsolete		Todo
+HiLink rplObsolete		Todo
 
-  HiLink rplPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink rplInclude		Include
-  HiLink rplIncluded		rplString
-  HiLink rplInclude		Include
-  HiLink rplExecPath		Include
-  HiLink rplPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink rplComment		Comment
-  HiLink rplCommentLine		Comment
-  HiLink rplCommentString	Comment
-  HiLink rplSubDelimitor	rplStorage
-  HiLink rplCommentError	Error
-  HiLink rplParenError		Error
-  HiLink rplSubError		Error
-  HiLink rplArrayError		Error
-  HiLink rplListError		Error
-  HiLink rplTab			Error
-  HiLink rplBinaryError		Error
-  HiLink rplOctalError		Error
-  HiLink rplDecimalError	Error
-  HiLink rplHexadecimalError	Error
+HiLink rplPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink rplInclude		Include
+HiLink rplIncluded		rplString
+HiLink rplInclude		Include
+HiLink rplExecPath		Include
+HiLink rplPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink rplComment		Comment
+HiLink rplCommentLine		Comment
+HiLink rplCommentString	Comment
+HiLink rplSubDelimitor	rplStorage
+HiLink rplCommentError	Error
+HiLink rplParenError		Error
+HiLink rplSubError		Error
+HiLink rplArrayError		Error
+HiLink rplListError		Error
+HiLink rplTab			Error
+HiLink rplBinaryError		Error
+HiLink rplOctalError		Error
+HiLink rplDecimalError	Error
+HiLink rplHexadecimalError	Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "rpl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/rtf.vim b/runtime/syntax/rtf.vim
index 8f5ea71a36..0c63e8d523 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/rtf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/rtf.vim
@@ -13,11 +13,8 @@
 
 " TODO: render underline, italic, bold
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -52,35 +49,27 @@ syn match rtfBlue		"\\blue[0-9][0-9]*"
 syn match rtfFootNote "[#$K+]{\\footnote.*}" contains=rtfControlWord,rtfNewControlWord
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_rtf_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_rtf_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
 
-   HiLink rtfControlWord		Statement
-   HiLink rtfNewControlWord	Special
-   HiLink rtfControlSymbol	Constant
-   HiLink rtfCharacter		Character
-   HiLink rtfUnicodeCharacter	SpecialChar
-   HiLink rtfFootNote		Comment
+HiLink rtfControlWord		Statement
+HiLink rtfNewControlWord	Special
+HiLink rtfControlSymbol	Constant
+HiLink rtfCharacter		Character
+HiLink rtfUnicodeCharacter	SpecialChar
+HiLink rtfFootNote		Comment
 
-   " Define colors for the syntax file
-   hi rtfRed	      term=underline cterm=underline ctermfg=DarkRed gui=underline guifg=DarkRed
-   hi rtfGreen	      term=underline cterm=underline ctermfg=DarkGreen gui=underline guifg=DarkGreen
-   hi rtfBlue	      term=underline cterm=underline ctermfg=DarkBlue gui=underline guifg=DarkBlue
+" Define colors for the syntax file
+hi rtfRed	      term=underline cterm=underline ctermfg=DarkRed gui=underline guifg=DarkRed
+hi rtfGreen	      term=underline cterm=underline ctermfg=DarkGreen gui=underline guifg=DarkGreen
+hi rtfBlue	      term=underline cterm=underline ctermfg=DarkBlue gui=underline guifg=DarkBlue
 
-   HiLink rtfRed	rtfRed
-   HiLink rtfGreen	rtfGreen
-   HiLink rtfBlue	rtfBlue
+HiLink rtfRed	rtfRed
+HiLink rtfGreen	rtfGreen
+HiLink rtfBlue	rtfBlue
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "rtf"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/ruby.vim b/runtime/syntax/ruby.vim
index 28f553decb..ca7f51b1ea 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/ruby.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/ruby.vim
@@ -9,16 +9,45 @@
 " Thanks to perl.vim authors, and to Reimer Behrends. :-) (MN)
 " ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
+" Prelude {{{1
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
+" this file uses line continuations
+let s:cpo_sav = &cpo
+set cpo&vim
+
+" Folding Config {{{1
 if has("folding") && exists("ruby_fold")
   setlocal foldmethod=syntax
 endif
 
+let s:foldable_groups = split(
+      \	  get(
+      \	    b:,
+      \	    'ruby_foldable_groups',
+      \	    get(g:, 'ruby_foldable_groups', 'ALL')
+      \	  )
+      \	)
+
+function! s:foldable(...) abort
+  if index(s:foldable_groups, 'ALL') > -1
+    return 1
+  endif
+
+  for l:i in a:000
+    if index(s:foldable_groups, l:i) > -1
+      return 1
+    endif
+  endfor
+
+  return 0
+endfunction " }}}
+
 syn cluster rubyNotTop contains=@rubyExtendedStringSpecial,@rubyRegexpSpecial,@rubyDeclaration,rubyConditional,rubyExceptional,rubyMethodExceptional,rubyTodo
 
+" Whitespace Errors {{{1
 if exists("ruby_space_errors")
   if !exists("ruby_no_trail_space_error")
     syn match rubySpaceError display excludenl "\s\+$"
@@ -28,14 +57,14 @@ if exists("ruby_space_errors")
   endif
 endif
 
-" Operators
+" Operators {{{1
 if exists("ruby_operators")
-  syn match  rubyOperator "[~!^&|*/%+-]\|\%(class\s*\)\@<!<<\|<=>\|<=\|\%(<\|\<class\s\+\u\w*\s*\)\@<!<[^<]\@=\|===\|==\|=\~\|>>\|>=\|=\@<!>\|\*\*\|\.\.\.\|\.\.\|::"
+  syn match  rubyOperator "[~!^|*/%+-]\|&\.\@!\|\%(class\s*\)\@<!<<\|<=>\|<=\|\%(<\|\<class\s\+\u\w*\s*\)\@<!<[^<]\@=\|===\|==\|=\~\|>>\|>=\|=\@1<!>\|\*\*\|\.\.\.\|\.\.\|::"
   syn match  rubyOperator "->\|-=\|/=\|\*\*=\|\*=\|&&=\|&=\|&&\|||=\||=\|||\|%=\|+=\|!\~\|!="
-  syn region rubyBracketOperator matchgroup=rubyOperator start="\%(\w[?!]\=\|[]})]\)\@<=\[\s*" end="\s*]" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  syn region rubyBracketOperator matchgroup=rubyOperator start="\%(\w[?!]\=\|[]})]\)\@2<=\[\s*" end="\s*]" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
 endif
 
-" Expression Substitution and Backslash Notation
+" Expression Substitution and Backslash Notation {{{1
 syn match rubyStringEscape "\\\\\|\\[abefnrstv]\|\\\o\{1,3}\|\\x\x\{1,2}"						    contained display
 syn match rubyStringEscape "\%(\\M-\\C-\|\\C-\\M-\|\\M-\\c\|\\c\\M-\|\\c\|\\C-\|\\M-\)\%(\\\o\{1,3}\|\\x\x\{1,2}\|\\\=\S\)" contained display
 syn match rubyQuoteEscape  "\\[\\']"											    contained display
@@ -45,18 +74,19 @@ syn match  rubyInterpolation	      "#\%(\$\|@@\=\)\w\+"    display contained con
 syn match  rubyInterpolationDelimiter "#\ze\%(\$\|@@\=\)\w\+" display contained
 syn match  rubyInterpolation	      "#\$\%(-\w\|\W\)"       display contained contains=rubyInterpolationDelimiter,rubyPredefinedVariable,rubyInvalidVariable
 syn match  rubyInterpolationDelimiter "#\ze\$\%(-\w\|\W\)"    display contained
-syn region rubyNoInterpolation	      start="\\#{" end="}"            contained
+syn region rubyNoInterpolation	      start="\\#{" end="}"	      contained
 syn match  rubyNoInterpolation	      "\\#{"		      display contained
 syn match  rubyNoInterpolation	      "\\#\%(\$\|@@\=\)\w\+"  display contained
 syn match  rubyNoInterpolation	      "\\#\$\W"		      display contained
 
-syn match rubyDelimEscape	"\\[(<{\[)>}\]]" transparent display contained contains=NONE
+syn match rubyDelimiterEscape	"\\[(<{\[)>}\]]" transparent display contained contains=NONE
 
 syn region rubyNestedParentheses    start="("  skip="\\\\\|\\)"  matchgroup=rubyString end=")"	transparent contained
 syn region rubyNestedCurlyBraces    start="{"  skip="\\\\\|\\}"  matchgroup=rubyString end="}"	transparent contained
 syn region rubyNestedAngleBrackets  start="<"  skip="\\\\\|\\>"  matchgroup=rubyString end=">"	transparent contained
 syn region rubyNestedSquareBrackets start="\[" skip="\\\\\|\\\]" matchgroup=rubyString end="\]"	transparent contained
 
+" Regular Expression Metacharacters {{{1
 " These are mostly Oniguruma ready
 syn region rubyRegexpComment	matchgroup=rubyRegexpSpecial   start="(?#"								  skip="\\)"  end=")"  contained
 syn region rubyRegexpParens	matchgroup=rubyRegexpSpecial   start="(\(?:\|?<\=[=!]\|?>\|?<[a-z_]\w*>\|?[imx]*-[imx]*:\=\|\%(?#\)\@!\)" skip="\\)"  end=")"  contained transparent contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial
@@ -79,36 +109,40 @@ syn cluster rubyStringSpecial	      contains=rubyInterpolation,rubyNoInterpolati
 syn cluster rubyExtendedStringSpecial contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedParentheses,rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyNestedSquareBrackets
 syn cluster rubyRegexpSpecial	      contains=rubyInterpolation,rubyNoInterpolation,rubyStringEscape,rubyRegexpSpecial,rubyRegexpEscape,rubyRegexpBrackets,rubyRegexpCharClass,rubyRegexpDot,rubyRegexpQuantifier,rubyRegexpAnchor,rubyRegexpParens,rubyRegexpComment
 
-" Numbers and ASCII Codes
-syn match rubyASCIICode	"\%(\w\|[]})\"'/]\)\@<!\%(?\%(\\M-\\C-\|\\C-\\M-\|\\M-\\c\|\\c\\M-\|\\c\|\\C-\|\\M-\)\=\%(\\\o\{1,3}\|\\x\x\{1,2}\|\\\=\S\)\)"
-syn match rubyInteger	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<0[xX]\x\+\%(_\x\+\)*\>"								display
-syn match rubyInteger	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<\%(0[dD]\)\=\%(0\|[1-9]\d*\%(_\d\+\)*\)\>"						display
-syn match rubyInteger	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<0[oO]\=\o\+\%(_\o\+\)*\>"								display
-syn match rubyInteger	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<0[bB][01]\+\%(_[01]\+\)*\>"								display
-syn match rubyFloat	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<\%(0\|[1-9]\d*\%(_\d\+\)*\)\.\d\+\%(_\d\+\)*\>"					display
-syn match rubyFloat	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<\%(0\|[1-9]\d*\%(_\d\+\)*\)\%(\.\d\+\%(_\d\+\)*\)\=\%([eE][-+]\=\d\+\%(_\d\+\)*\)\>"	display
+" Numbers and ASCII Codes {{{1
+syn match rubyASCIICode "\%(\w\|[]})\"'/]\)\@1<!\%(?\%(\\M-\\C-\|\\C-\\M-\|\\M-\\c\|\\c\\M-\|\\c\|\\C-\|\\M-\)\=\%(\\\o\{1,3}\|\\x\x\{1,2}\|\\\=\S\)\)"
+syn match rubyInteger	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<0[xX]\x\+\%(_\x\+\)*r\=i\=\>"								display
+syn match rubyInteger	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<\%(0[dD]\)\=\%(0\|[1-9]\d*\%(_\d\+\)*\)r\=i\=\>"						display
+syn match rubyInteger	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<0[oO]\=\o\+\%(_\o\+\)*r\=i\=\>"								display
+syn match rubyInteger	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<0[bB][01]\+\%(_[01]\+\)*r\=i\=\>"								display
+syn match rubyFloat	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<\%(0\|[1-9]\d*\%(_\d\+\)*\)\.\d\+\%(_\d\+\)*r\=i\=\>"					display
+syn match rubyFloat	"\%(\%(\w\|[]})\"']\s*\)\@<!-\)\=\<\%(0\|[1-9]\d*\%(_\d\+\)*\)\%(\.\d\+\%(_\d\+\)*\)\=\%([eE][-+]\=\d\+\%(_\d\+\)*\)r\=i\=\>"	display
 
-" Identifiers
+" Identifiers {{{1
 syn match rubyLocalVariableOrMethod "\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*[?!=]\=" contains=NONE display transparent
 syn match rubyBlockArgument	    "&[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]"		 contains=NONE display transparent
 
-syn match  rubyConstant		"\%(\%([.@$]\@<!\.\)\@<!\<\|::\)\_s*\zs\u\w*\%(\>\|::\)\@=\%(\s*(\)\@!"
+syn match  rubyConstant		"\%(\%(^\|[^.]\)\.\s*\)\@<!\<\u\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\>\%(\s*(\)\@!"
 syn match  rubyClassVariable	"@@\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*" display
-syn match  rubyInstanceVariable "@\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*"  display
+syn match  rubyInstanceVariable "@\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*"	display
 syn match  rubyGlobalVariable	"$\%(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\|-.\)"
-syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@<!:\%(\^\|\~\|<<\|<=>\|<=\|<\|===\|[=!]=\|[=!]\~\|!\|>>\|>=\|>\||\|-@\|-\|/\|\[]=\|\[]\|\*\*\|\*\|&\|%\|+@\|+\|`\)"
-syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@<!:\$\%(-.\|[`~<=>_,;:!?/.'"@$*\&+0]\)"
-syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@<!:\%(\$\|@@\=\)\=\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*"
-syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@<!:\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\%([?!=]>\@!\)\="
-syn match  rubySymbol		"\%([{(,]\_s*\)\@<=\l\w*[!?]\=::\@!"he=e-1
-syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@<!\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*[!?]\=:\s\@="he=e-1
-syn match  rubySymbol		"\%([{(,]\_s*\)\@<=[[:space:],{]\l\w*[!?]\=::\@!"hs=s+1,he=e-1
-syn match  rubySymbol		"[[:space:],{]\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*[!?]\=:\s\@="hs=s+1,he=e-1
-syn region rubySymbol		start="[]})\"':]\@<!:'"  end="'"  skip="\\\\\|\\'"  contains=rubyQuoteEscape fold
-syn region rubySymbol		start="[]})\"':]\@<!:\"" end="\"" skip="\\\\\|\\\"" contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@1<!:\%(\^\|\~@\|\~\|<<\|<=>\|<=\|<\|===\|[=!]=\|[=!]\~\|!@\|!\|>>\|>=\|>\||\|-@\|-\|/\|\[]=\|\[]\|\*\*\|\*\|&\|%\|+@\|+\|`\)"
+syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@1<!:\$\%(-.\|[`~<=>_,;:!?/.'"@$*\&+0]\)"
+syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@1<!:\%(\$\|@@\=\)\=\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*"
+syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@1<!:\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\%([?!=]>\@!\)\="
+
+if s:foldable(':')
+  syn region rubySymbol		start="[]})\"':]\@1<!:'"  end="'"  skip="\\\\\|\\'"  contains=rubyQuoteEscape fold
+  syn region rubySymbol		start="[]})\"':]\@1<!:\"" end="\"" skip="\\\\\|\\\"" contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+else
+  syn region rubySymbol		start="[]})\"':]\@1<!:'"  end="'"  skip="\\\\\|\\'"  contains=rubyQuoteEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol		start="[]})\"':]\@1<!:\"" end="\"" skip="\\\\\|\\\"" contains=@rubyStringSpecial
+endif
+
+syn match  rubyCapitalizedMethod	"\%(\%(^\|[^.]\)\.\s*\)\@<!\<\u\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\>\%(\s*(\)*\s*(\@="
 
 syn match  rubyBlockParameter	  "\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*" contained
-syn region rubyBlockParameterList start="\%(\%(\<do\>\|{\)\s*\)\@<=|" end="|" oneline display contains=rubyBlockParameter
+syn region rubyBlockParameterList start="\%(\%(\<do\>\|{\)\_s*\)\@32<=|" end="|" oneline display contains=rubyBlockParameter
 
 syn match rubyInvalidVariable	 "$[^ A-Za-z_-]"
 syn match rubyPredefinedVariable #$[!$&"'*+,./0:;<=>?@\`~]#
@@ -117,93 +151,187 @@ syn match rubyPredefinedVariable "$_\>"											   display
 syn match rubyPredefinedVariable "$-[0FIKadilpvw]\>"									   display
 syn match rubyPredefinedVariable "$\%(deferr\|defout\|stderr\|stdin\|stdout\)\>"					   display
 syn match rubyPredefinedVariable "$\%(DEBUG\|FILENAME\|KCODE\|LOADED_FEATURES\|LOAD_PATH\|PROGRAM_NAME\|SAFE\|VERBOSE\)\>" display
-syn match rubyPredefinedConstant "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\@<!\|::\)\_s*\zs\%(MatchingData\|ARGF\|ARGV\|ENV\)\>\%(\s*(\)\@!"
-syn match rubyPredefinedConstant "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\@<!\|::\)\_s*\zs\%(DATA\|FALSE\|NIL\)\>\%(\s*(\)\@!"
-syn match rubyPredefinedConstant "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\@<!\|::\)\_s*\zs\%(STDERR\|STDIN\|STDOUT\|TOPLEVEL_BINDING\|TRUE\)\>\%(\s*(\)\@!"
-syn match rubyPredefinedConstant "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\@<!\|::\)\_s*\zs\%(RUBY_\%(VERSION\|RELEASE_DATE\|PLATFORM\|PATCHLEVEL\|REVISION\|DESCRIPTION\|COPYRIGHT\|ENGINE\)\)\>\%(\s*(\)\@!"
+syn match rubyPredefinedConstant "\%(\%(^\|[^.]\)\.\s*\)\@<!\<\%(ARGF\|ARGV\|ENV\|DATA\|FALSE\|NIL\|STDERR\|STDIN\|STDOUT\|TOPLEVEL_BINDING\|TRUE\)\>\%(\s*(\)\@!"
+syn match rubyPredefinedConstant "\%(\%(^\|[^.]\)\.\s*\)\@<!\<\%(RUBY_\%(VERSION\|RELEASE_DATE\|PLATFORM\|PATCHLEVEL\|REVISION\|DESCRIPTION\|COPYRIGHT\|ENGINE\)\)\>\%(\s*(\)\@!"
 
-" Normal Regular Expression
-syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="\%(\%(^\|\<\%(and\|or\|while\|until\|unless\|if\|elsif\|when\|not\|then\|else\)\|[;\~=!|&(,[<>?:*+-]\)\s*\)\@<=/" end="/[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\/" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
-syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="\%(\h\k*\s\+\)\@<=/[ \t=]\@!" end="/[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\/" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+" Normal Regular Expression {{{1
+if s:foldable('/')
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="\%(\%(^\|\<\%(and\|or\|while\|until\|unless\|if\|elsif\|when\|not\|then\|else\)\|[;\~=!|&(,{[<>?:*+-]\)\s*\)\@<=/" end="/[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\/" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="\%(\h\k*\s\+\)\@<=/[ \t=]\@!" end="/[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\/" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+else
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="\%(\%(^\|\<\%(and\|or\|while\|until\|unless\|if\|elsif\|when\|not\|then\|else\)\|[;\~=!|&(,{[<>?:*+-]\)\s*\)\@<=/" end="/[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\/" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="\%(\h\k*\s\+\)\@<=/[ \t=]\@!" end="/[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\/" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial
+endif
 
-" Generalized Regular Expression
-syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.? /]\)" end="\z1[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
-syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r{"				 end="}[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
-syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r<"				 end=">[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimEscape fold
-syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r\["				 end="\][iomxneus]*"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
-syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r("				 end=")[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+" Generalized Regular Expression {{{1
+if s:foldable('%')
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r{"				end="}[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r<"				end=">[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape fold
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r\["				end="\][iomxneus]*"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r("				end=")[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r\z(\s\)"				end="\z1[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial fold
+else
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r{"				end="}[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r<"				end=">[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r\["				end="\][iomxneus]*"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r("				end=")[iomxneus]*"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	 contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial
+  syn region rubyRegexp matchgroup=rubyRegexpDelimiter start="%r\z(\s\)"				end="\z1[iomxneus]*" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyRegexpSpecial
+endif
 
-" Normal String and Shell Command Output
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="\"" end="\"" skip="\\\\\|\\\"" contains=@rubyStringSpecial,@Spell fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="'"	end="'"  skip="\\\\\|\\'"  contains=rubyQuoteEscape,@Spell    fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="`"	end="`"  skip="\\\\\|\\`"  contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+" Normal String {{{1
+let s:spell_cluster = exists('ruby_spellcheck_strings') ? ',@Spell' : ''
+exe 'syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="\"" end="\"" skip="\\\\\|\\\"" ' .
+      \ (s:foldable('%') ? 'fold' : '') . ' contains=@rubyStringSpecial' . s:spell_cluster
+exe 'syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="''" end="''" skip="\\\\\|\\''" ' .
+      \ (s:foldable('%') ? 'fold' : '') . ' contains=rubyQuoteEscape'	 . s:spell_cluster
 
-" Generalized Single Quoted String, Symbol and Array of Strings
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qwi]\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qwi]{"				   end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	fold contains=rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimEscape
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qwi]<"				   end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	fold contains=rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimEscape
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qwi]\["				   end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	fold contains=rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimEscape
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qwi]("				   end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	fold contains=rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimEscape
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%q "				   end=" "   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	fold
-syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.? /]\)"   end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" fold
-syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s{"				   end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	fold contains=rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimEscape
-syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s<"				   end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	fold contains=rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimEscape
-syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s\["				   end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	fold contains=rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimEscape
-syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s("				   end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	fold contains=rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimEscape
+" Shell Command Output {{{1
+if s:foldable('%')
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="`" end="`" skip="\\\\\|\\`" contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+else
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="`" end="`" skip="\\\\\|\\`" contains=@rubyStringSpecial
+endif
 
-" Generalized Double Quoted String and Array of Strings and Shell Command Output
+" Generalized Single Quoted String, Symbol and Array of Strings {{{1
+if s:foldable('%')
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" fold
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]{"				     end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	  fold contains=rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]<"				     end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	  fold contains=rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]\["				     end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"  fold contains=rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]("				     end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	  fold contains=rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%q\z(\s\)"			     end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" fold
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)"    end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" fold
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s{"				     end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	  fold contains=rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s<"				     end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	  fold contains=rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s\["				     end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"  fold contains=rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s("				     end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	  fold contains=rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%s\z(\s\)"			     end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" fold
+else
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1"
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]{"				     end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	  contains=rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]<"				     end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	  contains=rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]\["				     end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"  contains=rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[qw]("				     end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	  contains=rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%q\z(\s\)"			     end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1"
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)"    end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1"
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s{"				     end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	  contains=rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s<"				     end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	  contains=rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s\["				     end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"  contains=rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%s("				     end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	  contains=rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%s\z(\s\)"			     end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1"
+endif
+
+" Generalized Double Quoted String and Array of Strings and Shell Command Output {{{1
 " Note: %= is not matched here as the beginning of a double quoted string
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+|\:;"',.?/]\)"	    end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWIx]\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWIx]\={"				    end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	 contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimEscape    fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWIx]\=<"				    end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	 contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimEscape  fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWIx]\=\["				    end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	 contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimEscape fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWIx]\=("				    end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	 contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimEscape    fold
-syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[Qx] "				    end=" "   skip="\\\\\|\\)"   contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+if s:foldable('%')
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+|\:;"',.?/]\)"	      end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\={"			      end="}"	skip="\\\\\|\\}"   contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape    fold
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\=<"			      end=">"	skip="\\\\\|\\>"   contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape  fold
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\=\["			      end="\]"	skip="\\\\\|\\\]"  contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape fold
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\=("			      end=")"	skip="\\\\\|\\)"   contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape    fold
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[Qx]\z(\s\)"			      end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+else
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+|\:;"',.?/]\)"	      end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyStringSpecial
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyStringSpecial
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\={"			      end="}"	skip="\\\\\|\\}"   contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\=<"			      end=">"	skip="\\\\\|\\>"   contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\=\["			      end="\]"	skip="\\\\\|\\\]"  contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[QWx]\=("			      end=")"	skip="\\\\\|\\)"   contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubyString matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start="%[Qx]\z(\s\)"			      end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1" contains=@rubyStringSpecial
+endif
 
-" Here Document
-syn region rubyHeredocStart matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start=+\%(\%(class\s*\|\%([]})"'.]\|::\)\)\_s*\|\w\)\@<!<<-\=\zs\%(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\)+	 end=+$+ oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
-syn region rubyHeredocStart matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start=+\%(\%(class\s*\|\%([]})"'.]\|::\)\)\_s*\|\w\)\@<!<<-\=\zs"\%([^"]*\)"+ end=+$+ oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
-syn region rubyHeredocStart matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start=+\%(\%(class\s*\|\%([]})"'.]\|::\)\)\_s*\|\w\)\@<!<<-\=\zs'\%([^']*\)'+ end=+$+ oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
-syn region rubyHeredocStart matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start=+\%(\%(class\s*\|\%([]})"'.]\|::\)\)\_s*\|\w\)\@<!<<-\=\zs`\%([^`]*\)`+ end=+$+ oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+" Array of Symbols {{{1
+if s:foldable('%')
+  " Array of Symbols
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1"	fold
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i{"				  end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	fold contains=rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i<"				  end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	fold contains=rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i\["				  end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	fold contains=rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i("				  end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	fold contains=rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape
 
-syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<\z(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\)\ze\%(.*<<-\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
-syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<"\z([^"]*\)"\ze\%(.*<<-\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
-syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<'\z([^']*\)'\ze\%(.*<<-\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc			fold keepend
-syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<`\z([^`]*\)`\ze\%(.*<<-\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
+  " Array of interpolated Symbols
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial fold
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I{"				  end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape    fold
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I<"				  end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape  fold
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I\["				  end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape fold
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I("				  end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape    fold
+else
+  " Array of Symbols
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1"
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i{"				  end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	contains=rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i<"				  end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	contains=rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i\["				  end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	contains=rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%i("				  end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	contains=rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape
 
-syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<-\z(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\)\ze\%(.*<<-\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3    matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
-syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<-"\z([^"]*\)"\ze\%(.*<<-\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
-syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<-'\z([^']*\)'\ze\%(.*<<-\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart		     fold keepend
-syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<-`\z([^`]*\)`\ze\%(.*<<-\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
+  " Array of interpolated Symbols
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I\z([~`!@#$%^&*_\-+=|\:;"',.?/]\)" end="\z1" skip="\\\\\|\\\z1"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I{"				  end="}"   skip="\\\\\|\\}"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedCurlyBraces,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I<"				  end=">"   skip="\\\\\|\\>"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedAngleBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I\["				  end="\]"  skip="\\\\\|\\\]"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedSquareBrackets,rubyDelimiterEscape
+  syn region rubySymbol matchgroup=rubySymbolDelimiter start="%I("				  end=")"   skip="\\\\\|\\)"	contains=@rubyStringSpecial,rubyNestedParentheses,rubyDelimiterEscape
+endif
 
+" Here Document {{{1
+syn region rubyHeredocStart matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start=+\%(\%(class\s*\|\%([]})"'.]\|::\)\)\_s*\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]\=\zs\%(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\)+	 end=+$+ oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+syn region rubyHeredocStart matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start=+\%(\%(class\s*\|\%([]})"'.]\|::\)\)\_s*\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]\=\zs"\%([^"]*\)"+ end=+$+ oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+syn region rubyHeredocStart matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start=+\%(\%(class\s*\|\%([]})"'.]\|::\)\)\_s*\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]\=\zs'\%([^']*\)'+ end=+$+ oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+syn region rubyHeredocStart matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter start=+\%(\%(class\s*\|\%([]})"'.]\|::\)\)\_s*\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]\=\zs`\%([^`]*\)`+ end=+$+ oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+
+if s:foldable('<<')
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<\z(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\)\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<"\z([^"]*\)"\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<'\z([^']*\)'\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc		    fold keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<`\z([^`]*\)`\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
+
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]\z(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\)\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3    matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]"\z([^"]*\)"\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]'\z([^']*\)'\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart		    fold keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]`\z([^`]*\)`\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial fold keepend
+else
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<\z(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\)\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<"\z([^"]*\)"\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<'\z([^']*\)'\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc		    keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]})"'.]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<`\z([^`]*\)`\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+2	matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,rubyHeredoc,@rubyStringSpecial keepend
+
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]\z(\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*\)\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3    matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]"\z([^"]*\)"\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]'\z([^']*\)'\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart		    keepend
+  syn region rubyString start=+\%(\%(class\|::\)\_s*\|\%([]}).]\)\s\|\w\)\@<!<<[-~]`\z([^`]*\)`\ze\%(.*<<[-~]\=['`"]\=\h\)\@!+hs=s+3  matchgroup=rubyStringDelimiter end=+^\s*\zs\z1$+ contains=rubyHeredocStart,@rubyStringSpecial keepend
+endif
+
+" eRuby Config {{{1
 if exists('main_syntax') && main_syntax == 'eruby'
   let b:ruby_no_expensive = 1
 end
 
+" Module, Class, Method and Alias Declarations {{{1
 syn match  rubyAliasDeclaration    "[^[:space:];#.()]\+" contained contains=rubySymbol,rubyGlobalVariable,rubyPredefinedVariable nextgroup=rubyAliasDeclaration2 skipwhite
 syn match  rubyAliasDeclaration2   "[^[:space:];#.()]\+" contained contains=rubySymbol,rubyGlobalVariable,rubyPredefinedVariable
 syn match  rubyMethodDeclaration   "[^[:space:];#(]\+"	 contained contains=rubyConstant,rubyBoolean,rubyPseudoVariable,rubyInstanceVariable,rubyClassVariable,rubyGlobalVariable
 syn match  rubyClassDeclaration    "[^[:space:];#<]\+"	 contained contains=rubyConstant,rubyOperator
 syn match  rubyModuleDeclaration   "[^[:space:];#<]\+"	 contained contains=rubyConstant,rubyOperator
 syn match  rubyFunction "\<[_[:alpha:]][_[:alnum:]]*[?!=]\=[[:alnum:]_.:?!=]\@!" contained containedin=rubyMethodDeclaration
-syn match  rubyFunction "\%(\s\|^\)\@<=[_[:alpha:]][_[:alnum:]]*[?!=]\=\%(\s\|$\)\@=" contained containedin=rubyAliasDeclaration,rubyAliasDeclaration2
-syn match  rubyFunction "\%([[:space:].]\|^\)\@<=\%(\[\]=\=\|\*\*\|[+-]@\=\|[*/%|&^~]\|<<\|>>\|[<>]=\=\|<=>\|===\|[=!]=\|[=!]\~\|!\|`\)\%([[:space:];#(]\|$\)\@=" contained containedin=rubyAliasDeclaration,rubyAliasDeclaration2,rubyMethodDeclaration
+syn match  rubyFunction "\%(\s\|^\)\@1<=[_[:alpha:]][_[:alnum:]]*[?!=]\=\%(\s\|$\)\@=" contained containedin=rubyAliasDeclaration,rubyAliasDeclaration2
+syn match  rubyFunction "\%([[:space:].]\|^\)\@2<=\%(\[\]=\=\|\*\*\|[-+!~]@\=\|[*/%|&^~]\|<<\|>>\|[<>]=\=\|<=>\|===\|[=!]=\|[=!]\~\|!\|`\)\%([[:space:];#(]\|$\)\@=" contained containedin=rubyAliasDeclaration,rubyAliasDeclaration2,rubyMethodDeclaration
 
 syn cluster rubyDeclaration contains=rubyAliasDeclaration,rubyAliasDeclaration2,rubyMethodDeclaration,rubyModuleDeclaration,rubyClassDeclaration,rubyFunction,rubyBlockParameter
 
-" Keywords
+" Keywords {{{1
 " Note: the following keywords have already been defined:
 " begin case class def do end for if module unless until while
 syn match   rubyControl	       "\<\%(and\|break\|in\|next\|not\|or\|redo\|rescue\|retry\|return\)\>[?!]\@!"
 syn match   rubyOperator       "\<defined?" display
 syn match   rubyKeyword	       "\<\%(super\|yield\)\>[?!]\@!"
 syn match   rubyBoolean	       "\<\%(true\|false\)\>[?!]\@!"
-syn match   rubyPseudoVariable "\<\%(nil\|self\|__ENCODING__\|__FILE__\|__LINE__\|__callee__\|__method__\)\>[?!]\@!" " TODO: reorganise
+syn match   rubyPseudoVariable "\<\%(nil\|self\|__ENCODING__\|__dir__\|__FILE__\|__LINE__\|__callee__\|__method__\)\>[?!]\@!" " TODO: reorganise
 syn match   rubyBeginEnd       "\<\%(BEGIN\|END\)\>[?!]\@!"
 
-" Expensive Mode - match 'end' with the appropriate opening keyword for syntax
-" based folding and special highlighting of module/class/method definitions
+" Expensive Mode {{{1
+" Match 'end' with the appropriate opening keyword for syntax based folding
+" and special highlighting of module/class/method definitions
 if !exists("b:ruby_no_expensive") && !exists("ruby_no_expensive")
   syn match  rubyDefine "\<alias\>"  nextgroup=rubyAliasDeclaration  skipwhite skipnl
   syn match  rubyDefine "\<def\>"    nextgroup=rubyMethodDeclaration skipwhite skipnl
@@ -211,23 +339,66 @@ if !exists("b:ruby_no_expensive") && !exists("ruby_no_expensive")
   syn match  rubyClass	"\<class\>"  nextgroup=rubyClassDeclaration  skipwhite skipnl
   syn match  rubyModule "\<module\>" nextgroup=rubyModuleDeclaration skipwhite skipnl
 
-  syn region rubyMethodBlock start="\<def\>"	matchgroup=rubyDefine end="\%(\<def\_s\+\)\@<!\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
-  syn region rubyBlock	     start="\<class\>"	matchgroup=rubyClass  end="\<end\>"		       contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
-  syn region rubyBlock	     start="\<module\>" matchgroup=rubyModule end="\<end\>"		       contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  if s:foldable('def')
+    syn region rubyMethodBlock start="\<def\>"	matchgroup=rubyDefine end="\%(\<def\_s\+\)\@<!\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyMethodBlock start="\<def\>"	matchgroup=rubyDefine end="\%(\<def\_s\+\)\@<!\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
+
+  if s:foldable('class')
+    syn region rubyBlock start="\<class\>"	matchgroup=rubyClass end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyBlock start="\<class\>"	matchgroup=rubyClass end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
+
+  if s:foldable('module')
+    syn region rubyBlock start="\<module\>" matchgroup=rubyModule end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyBlock start="\<module\>" matchgroup=rubyModule end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
 
   " modifiers
-  syn match rubyConditionalModifier "\<\%(if\|unless\)\>"    display
-  syn match rubyRepeatModifier	     "\<\%(while\|until\)\>" display
+  syn match rubyLineContinuation    "\\$" nextgroup=rubyConditionalModifier,rubyRepeatModifier skipwhite skipnl
+  syn match rubyConditionalModifier "\<\%(if\|unless\)\>"
+  syn match rubyRepeatModifier	    "\<\%(while\|until\)\>"
+
+  if s:foldable('do')
+    syn region rubyDoBlock matchgroup=rubyControl start="\<do\>" end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyDoBlock matchgroup=rubyControl start="\<do\>" end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
 
-  syn region rubyDoBlock      matchgroup=rubyControl start="\<do\>" end="\<end\>"                 contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
   " curly bracket block or hash literal
-  syn region rubyCurlyBlock	matchgroup=rubyCurlyBlockDelimiter  start="{" end="}"				contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
-  syn region rubyArrayLiteral	matchgroup=rubyArrayDelimiter	    start="\%(\w\|[\]})]\)\@<!\[" end="]"	contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  if s:foldable('{')
+    syn region rubyCurlyBlock matchgroup=rubyCurlyBlockDelimiter start="{" end="}" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyCurlyBlock matchgroup=rubyCurlyBlockDelimiter start="{" end="}" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
+
+  if s:foldable('[')
+    syn region rubyArrayLiteral	matchgroup=rubyArrayDelimiter start="\%(\w\|[\]})]\)\@<!\[" end="]" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyArrayLiteral	matchgroup=rubyArrayDelimiter start="\%(\w\|[\]})]\)\@<!\[" end="]" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
 
   " statements without 'do'
-  syn region rubyBlockExpression       matchgroup=rubyControl	  start="\<begin\>" end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
-  syn region rubyCaseExpression	       matchgroup=rubyConditional start="\<case\>"  end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
-  syn region rubyConditionalExpression matchgroup=rubyConditional start="\%(\%(^\|\.\.\.\=\|[{:,;([<>~\*/%&^|+=-]\|\%(\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*\)\@<![?!]\)\s*\)\@<=\%(if\|unless\)\>" end="\%(\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\s*\)\@<!\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  if s:foldable('begin')
+    syn region rubyBlockExpression matchgroup=rubyControl start="\<begin\>" end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyBlockExpression matchgroup=rubyControl start="\<begin\>" end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
+
+  if s:foldable('case')
+    syn region rubyCaseExpression matchgroup=rubyConditional start="\<case\>" end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyCaseExpression matchgroup=rubyConditional start="\<case\>" end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
+
+  if s:foldable('if')
+    syn region rubyConditionalExpression matchgroup=rubyConditional start="\%(\%(^\|\.\.\.\=\|[{:,;([<>~\*%&^|+=-]\|\%(\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*\)\@<![?!]\)\s*\)\@<=\%(if\|unless\)\>" end="\%(\%(\%(\.\@1<!\.\)\|::\)\s*\)\@<!\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyConditionalExpression matchgroup=rubyConditional start="\%(\%(^\|\.\.\.\=\|[{:,;([<>~\*%&^|+=-]\|\%(\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*\)\@<![?!]\)\s*\)\@<=\%(if\|unless\)\>" end="\%(\%(\%(\.\@1<!\.\)\|::\)\s*\)\@<!\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
+  endif
 
   syn match rubyConditional "\<\%(then\|else\|when\)\>[?!]\@!"	contained containedin=rubyCaseExpression
   syn match rubyConditional "\<\%(then\|else\|elsif\)\>[?!]\@!" contained containedin=rubyConditionalExpression
@@ -237,7 +408,12 @@ if !exists("b:ruby_no_expensive") && !exists("ruby_no_expensive")
 
   " statements with optional 'do'
   syn region rubyOptionalDoLine   matchgroup=rubyRepeat start="\<for\>[?!]\@!" start="\%(\%(^\|\.\.\.\=\|[{:,;([<>~\*/%&^|+-]\|\%(\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*\)\@<![!=?]\)\s*\)\@<=\<\%(until\|while\)\>" matchgroup=rubyOptionalDo end="\%(\<do\>\)" end="\ze\%(;\|$\)" oneline contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop
-  syn region rubyRepeatExpression start="\<for\>[?!]\@!" start="\%(\%(^\|\.\.\.\=\|[{:,;([<>~\*/%&^|+-]\|\%(\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*\)\@<![!=?]\)\s*\)\@<=\<\%(until\|while\)\>" matchgroup=rubyRepeat end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop nextgroup=rubyOptionalDoLine fold
+
+  if s:foldable('for')
+    syn region rubyRepeatExpression start="\<for\>[?!]\@!" start="\%(\%(^\|\.\.\.\=\|[{:,;([<>~\*/%&^|+-]\|\%(\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*\)\@<![!=?]\)\s*\)\@<=\<\%(until\|while\)\>" matchgroup=rubyRepeat end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop nextgroup=rubyOptionalDoLine fold
+  else
+    syn region rubyRepeatExpression start="\<for\>[?!]\@!" start="\%(\%(^\|\.\.\.\=\|[{:,;([<>~\*/%&^|+-]\|\%(\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*\)\@<![!=?]\)\s*\)\@<=\<\%(until\|while\)\>" matchgroup=rubyRepeat end="\<end\>" contains=ALLBUT,@rubyNotTop nextgroup=rubyOptionalDoLine
+  endif
 
   if !exists("ruby_minlines")
     let ruby_minlines = 500
@@ -252,7 +428,7 @@ else
   syn match rubyKeyword "\<\%(alias\|undef\)\>[?!]\@!"
 endif
 
-" Special Methods
+" Special Methods {{{1
 if !exists("ruby_no_special_methods")
   syn keyword rubyAccess    public protected private public_class_method private_class_method public_constant private_constant module_function
   " attr is a common variable name
@@ -263,40 +439,40 @@ if !exists("ruby_no_special_methods")
   syn keyword rubyException raise fail catch throw
   " false positive with 'include?'
   syn match   rubyInclude   "\<include\>[?!]\@!"
-  syn keyword rubyInclude   autoload extend load prepend require require_relative
+  syn keyword rubyInclude   autoload extend load prepend refine require require_relative using
   syn keyword rubyKeyword   callcc caller lambda proc
 endif
 
-" Comments and Documentation
+" Comments and Documentation {{{1
 syn match   rubySharpBang "\%^#!.*" display
-syn keyword rubyTodo	  FIXME NOTE TODO OPTIMIZE XXX todo contained
+syn keyword rubyTodo	  FIXME NOTE TODO OPTIMIZE HACK REVIEW XXX todo contained
 syn match   rubyComment   "#.*" contains=rubySharpBang,rubySpaceError,rubyTodo,@Spell
-if !exists("ruby_no_comment_fold")
-  syn region rubyMultilineComment start="\%(\%(^\s*#.*\n\)\@<!\%(^\s*#.*\n\)\)\%(\(^\s*#.*\n\)\{1,}\)\@=" end="\%(^\s*#.*\n\)\@<=\%(^\s*#.*\n\)\%(^\s*#\)\@!" contains=rubyComment transparent fold keepend
+if !exists("ruby_no_comment_fold") && s:foldable('#')
+  syn region rubyMultilineComment start="^\s*#.*\n\%(^\s*#\)\@=" end="^\s*#.*\n\%(^\s*#\)\@!" contains=rubyComment transparent fold keepend
   syn region rubyDocumentation	  start="^=begin\ze\%(\s.*\)\=$" end="^=end\%(\s.*\)\=$" contains=rubySpaceError,rubyTodo,@Spell fold
 else
   syn region rubyDocumentation	  start="^=begin\s*$" end="^=end\s*$" contains=rubySpaceError,rubyTodo,@Spell
 endif
 
+" Keyword Nobbling {{{1
 " Note: this is a hack to prevent 'keywords' being highlighted as such when called as methods with an explicit receiver
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(alias\|and\|begin\|break\|case\|class\|def\|defined\|do\|else\)\>"		  transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(elsif\|end\|ensure\|false\|for\|if\|in\|module\|next\|nil\)\>"		  transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(not\|or\|redo\|rescue\|retry\|return\|self\|super\|then\|true\)\>"		  transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(undef\|unless\|until\|when\|while\|yield\|BEGIN\|END\|__FILE__\|__LINE__\)\>" transparent contains=NONE
+syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@1<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%([_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*\|\<\%(BEGIN\|END\)\>\)" transparent contains=NONE
+syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\(defined?\|exit!\)\@!\<[_[:lower:]][_[:alnum:]]*[?!]"			       transparent contains=NONE
 
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\<\%(alias\|begin\|case\|class\|def\|do\|end\)[?!]" transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\<\%(if\|module\|undef\|unless\|until\|while\)[?!]" transparent contains=NONE
+" More Symbols {{{1
+syn match  rubySymbol		"\%([{(,]\_s*\)\zs\l\w*[!?]\=::\@!"he=e-1
+syn match  rubySymbol		"[]})\"':]\@1<!\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*[!?]\=:[[:space:],]\@="he=e-1
+syn match  rubySymbol		"\%([{(,]\_s*\)\zs[[:space:],{]\l\w*[!?]\=::\@!"hs=s+1,he=e-1
+syn match  rubySymbol		"[[:space:],{(]\%(\h\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)\%(\w\|[^\x00-\x7F]\)*[!?]\=:[[:space:],]\@="hs=s+1,he=e-1
 
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(abort\|at_exit\|attr\|attr_accessor\|attr_reader\)\>"	transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(attr_writer\|autoload\|callcc\|catch\|caller\)\>"		transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(eval\|class_eval\|instance_eval\|module_eval\|exit\)\>"	transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(extend\|fail\|fork\|include\|lambda\)\>"			transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(load\|loop\|prepend\|private\|proc\|protected\)\>"		transparent contains=NONE
-syn match rubyKeywordAsMethod "\%(\%(\.\@<!\.\)\|::\)\_s*\%(public\|require\|require_relative\|raise\|throw\|trap\)\>"	transparent contains=NONE
-
-" __END__ Directive
-syn region rubyData matchgroup=rubyDataDirective start="^__END__$" end="\%$" fold
+" __END__ Directive {{{1
+if s:foldable('__END__')
+  syn region rubyData matchgroup=rubyDataDirective start="^__END__$" end="\%$" fold
+else
+  syn region rubyData matchgroup=rubyDataDirective start="^__END__$" end="\%$"
+endif
 
+" Default Highlighting {{{1
 hi def link rubyClass			rubyDefine
 hi def link rubyModule			rubyDefine
 hi def link rubyMethodExceptional	rubyDefine
@@ -336,6 +512,7 @@ hi def link rubyAccess			Statement
 hi def link rubyAttribute		Statement
 hi def link rubyEval			Statement
 hi def link rubyPseudoVariable		Constant
+hi def link rubyCapitalizedMethod	rubyLocalVariableOrMethod
 
 hi def link rubyComment			Comment
 hi def link rubyData			Comment
@@ -349,7 +526,7 @@ hi def link rubyInterpolationDelimiter	Delimiter
 hi def link rubyNoInterpolation		rubyString
 hi def link rubySharpBang		PreProc
 hi def link rubyRegexpDelimiter		rubyStringDelimiter
-hi def link rubySymbolDelimiter		rubyStringDelimiter
+hi def link rubySymbolDelimiter		rubySymbol
 hi def link rubyStringDelimiter		Delimiter
 hi def link rubyHeredoc			rubyString
 hi def link rubyString			String
@@ -366,6 +543,10 @@ hi def link rubyInvalidVariable		Error
 hi def link rubyError			Error
 hi def link rubySpaceError		rubyError
 
+" Postscript {{{1
 let b:current_syntax = "ruby"
 
-" vim: nowrap sw=2 sts=2 ts=8 noet:
+let &cpo = s:cpo_sav
+unlet! s:cpo_sav
+
+" vim: nowrap sw=2 sts=2 ts=8 noet fdm=marker:
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/samba.vim b/runtime/syntax/samba.vim
index 93029cc202..ddd35a8e3d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/samba.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/samba.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 "
 " Don't forget to run your config file through testparm(1)!
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -107,24 +104,16 @@ syn keyword sambaKeyword contained shutdown signing special spnego
 syn keyword sambaKeyword contained store unknown unwriteable
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_samba_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_samba_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink sambaParameter Normal
-  HiLink sambaKeyword   Type
-  HiLink sambaSection   Statement
-  HiLink sambaMacro     PreProc
-  HiLink sambaComment   Comment
-  HiLink sambaContinue  Operator
-  HiLink sambaBoolean   Constant
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink sambaParameter Normal
+HiLink sambaKeyword   Type
+HiLink sambaSection   Statement
+HiLink sambaMacro     PreProc
+HiLink sambaComment   Comment
+HiLink sambaContinue  Operator
+HiLink sambaBoolean   Constant
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "samba"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sas.vim b/runtime/syntax/sas.vim
index dc70e1fd90..a99501103d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sas.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sas.vim
@@ -12,11 +12,8 @@
 "		Attempted to match SAS default syntax colors;
 "		Changed syncing so it doesn't lose colors on large blocks;
 "		Much thanks to Bob Heckel for knowledgeable tweaking.
-"  For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-"  For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+"  quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
@@ -52,11 +49,7 @@ syn region sasComment start="^\s*\*" end=";" contains=sasTodo
 " Thanks to ronald höllwarth for this fix to an intra-versioning
 " problem with this little feature
 
-if version < 600
-   syn region sasMacroVar	start="\&" skip="[_&]" end="\W"he=e-1
-else		 " for the older Vim's just do it their way ...
-   syn region sasMacroVar	start="&" skip="[_&]" end="\W"he=e-1
-endif
+syn region sasMacroVar	start="&" skip="[_&]" end="\W"he=e-1
 
 
 " I dont think specific PROCs need to be listed if use this line (Bob Heckel).
@@ -218,62 +211,54 @@ syn keyword sasUnderscore	_ALL_ _AUTOMATIC_ _CHARACTER_ _INFILE_ _N_ _NAME_ _NUL
 " End of SAS Functions
 
 "  Define the default highlighting.
-"  For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-"  For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+"  Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sas_syntax_inits")
-   if version < 508
-      let did_sas_syntax_inits = 1
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-   " Default sas enhanced editor color syntax
-	hi sComment	term=bold cterm=NONE ctermfg=Green ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=DarkGreen guibg=White
-	hi sCard	term=bold cterm=NONE ctermfg=Black ctermbg=Yellow gui=NONE guifg=Black guibg=LightYellow
-	hi sDate_Time	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=Green ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=SeaGreen guibg=White
-	hi sKeyword	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Blue  ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=Blue guibg=White
-	hi sFmtInfmt	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=LightGreen ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=SeaGreen guibg=White
-	hi sString	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Magenta ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=Purple guibg=White
-	hi sText	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=White ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Black guibg=White
-	hi sNumber	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=Green ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=SeaGreen guibg=White
-	hi sProc	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=Blue ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Navy guibg=White
-	hi sSection	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=Blue ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Navy guibg=White
-	hi mDefine	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=White ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Black guibg=White
-	hi mKeyword	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Blue ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=Blue guibg=White
-	hi mReference	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=White ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Blue guibg=White
-	hi mSection	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Blue ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Navy guibg=White
-	hi mText	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=White ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Black guibg=White
+" Default sas enhanced editor color syntax
+hi sComment	term=bold cterm=NONE ctermfg=Green ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=DarkGreen guibg=White
+hi sCard	term=bold cterm=NONE ctermfg=Black ctermbg=Yellow gui=NONE guifg=Black guibg=LightYellow
+hi sDate_Time	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=Green ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=SeaGreen guibg=White
+hi sKeyword	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Blue  ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=Blue guibg=White
+hi sFmtInfmt	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=LightGreen ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=SeaGreen guibg=White
+hi sString	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Magenta ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=Purple guibg=White
+hi sText	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=White ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Black guibg=White
+hi sNumber	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=Green ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=SeaGreen guibg=White
+hi sProc	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=Blue ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Navy guibg=White
+hi sSection	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=Blue ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Navy guibg=White
+hi mDefine	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=White ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Black guibg=White
+hi mKeyword	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Blue ctermbg=Black gui=NONE guifg=Blue guibg=White
+hi mReference	term=NONE cterm=bold ctermfg=White ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Blue guibg=White
+hi mSection	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Blue ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Navy guibg=White
+hi mText	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=White ctermbg=Black gui=bold guifg=Black guibg=White
 
 " Colors that closely match SAS log colors for default color scheme
-	hi lError	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Red ctermbg=Black gui=none guifg=Red guibg=White
-	hi lWarning	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Green ctermbg=Black gui=none guifg=Green guibg=White
-	hi lNote	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Cyan ctermbg=Black gui=none guifg=Blue guibg=White
+hi lError	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Red ctermbg=Black gui=none guifg=Red guibg=White
+hi lWarning	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Green ctermbg=Black gui=none guifg=Green guibg=White
+hi lNote	term=NONE cterm=NONE ctermfg=Cyan ctermbg=Black gui=none guifg=Blue guibg=White
 
 
-   " Special hilighting for the SAS proc section
+" Special hilighting for the SAS proc section
 
-	HiLink	sasComment	sComment
-	HiLink	sasConditional	sKeyword
-	HiLink	sasStep		sSection
-	HiLink	sasFunction	sKeyword
-	HiLink	sasMacro	mKeyword
-	HiLink	sasMacroVar	NonText
-	HiLink	sasNumber	sNumber
-	HiLink	sasStatement	sKeyword
-	HiLink	sasString	sString
-	HiLink	sasProc		sProc
-   " (Bob Heckel)
-	HiLink	sasTodo		Todo
-	HiLink	sasErrMsg	lError
-	HiLink	sasWarnMsg	lWarning
-	HiLink	sasLogMsg	lNote
-	HiLink	sasCards	sCard
-  " (Bob Heckel)
-	HiLink	sasUnderscore	PreProc
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink	sasComment	sComment
+HiLink	sasConditional	sKeyword
+HiLink	sasStep		sSection
+HiLink	sasFunction	sKeyword
+HiLink	sasMacro	mKeyword
+HiLink	sasMacroVar	NonText
+HiLink	sasNumber	sNumber
+HiLink	sasStatement	sKeyword
+HiLink	sasString	sString
+HiLink	sasProc		sProc
+" (Bob Heckel)
+HiLink	sasTodo		Todo
+HiLink	sasErrMsg	lError
+HiLink	sasWarnMsg	lWarning
+HiLink	sasLogMsg	lNote
+HiLink	sasCards	sCard
+" (Bob Heckel)
+HiLink	sasUnderscore	PreProc
+delcommand HiLink
 
 " Syncronize from beginning to keep large blocks from losing
 " syntax coloring while moving through code.
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sass.vim b/runtime/syntax/sass.vim
index 2ea0722696..d075c8736e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sass.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sass.vim
@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 " Language:	Sass
 " Maintainer:	Tim Pope <vimNOSPAM@tpope.org>
 " Filenames:	*.sass
-" Last Change:	2013 May 30
+" Last Change:	2016 Aug 29
 
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ runtime! syntax/css.vim
 syn case ignore
 
 syn cluster sassCssProperties contains=cssFontProp,cssFontDescriptorProp,cssColorProp,cssTextProp,cssBoxProp,cssGeneratedContentProp,cssPagingProp,cssUIProp,cssRenderProp,cssAuralProp,cssTableProp
-syn cluster sassCssAttributes contains=css.*Attr,scssComment,cssValue.*,cssColor,cssURL,sassDefault,cssImportant,cssError,cssStringQ,cssStringQQ,cssFunction,cssUnicodeEscape,cssRenderProp
+syn cluster sassCssAttributes contains=css.*Attr,sassEndOfLineComment,scssComment,cssValue.*,cssColor,cssURL,sassDefault,cssImportant,cssError,cssStringQ,cssStringQQ,cssFunction,cssUnicodeEscape,cssRenderProp
 
 syn region sassDefinition matchgroup=cssBraces start="{" end="}" contains=TOP
 
@@ -58,6 +58,9 @@ syn match sassAmpersand  "&"
 " TODO: Attribute namespaces
 " TODO: Arithmetic (including strings and concatenation)
 
+syn region sassMediaQuery matchgroup=sassMedia start="@media" end="[{};]\@=\|$" contains=sassMediaOperators
+syn keyword sassMediaOperators and not only contained
+syn region sassCharset start="@charset" end=";\|$" contains=scssComment,cssStringQ,cssStringQQ,cssURL,cssUnicodeEscape,cssMediaType
 syn region sassInclude start="@import" end=";\|$" contains=scssComment,cssStringQ,cssStringQQ,cssURL,cssUnicodeEscape,cssMediaType
 syn region sassDebugLine end=";\|$" matchgroup=sassDebug start="@debug\>" contains=@sassCssAttributes,sassVariable,sassFunction
 syn region sassWarnLine end=";\|$" matchgroup=sassWarn start="@warn\>" contains=@sassCssAttributes,sassVariable,sassFunction
@@ -67,7 +70,9 @@ syn keyword sassFor from to through in contained
 syn keyword sassTodo        FIXME NOTE TODO OPTIMIZE XXX contained
 syn region  sassComment     start="^\z(\s*\)//"  end="^\%(\z1 \)\@!" contains=sassTodo,@Spell
 syn region  sassCssComment  start="^\z(\s*\)/\*" end="^\%(\z1 \)\@!" contains=sassTodo,@Spell
+syn match   sassEndOfLineComment "//.*" contains=sassComment,sassTodo,@Spell
 
+hi def link sassEndOfLineComment        sassComment
 hi def link sassCssComment              sassComment
 hi def link sassComment                 Comment
 hi def link sassDefault                 cssImportant
@@ -80,6 +85,9 @@ hi def link sassExtend                  PreProc
 hi def link sassFunctionDecl            PreProc
 hi def link sassReturn                  PreProc
 hi def link sassTodo                    Todo
+hi def link sassCharset                 PreProc
+hi def link sassMedia                   PreProc
+hi def link sassMediaOperators          PreProc
 hi def link sassInclude                 Include
 hi def link sassDebug                   sassControl
 hi def link sassWarn                    sassControl
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sather.vim b/runtime/syntax/sather.vim
index 103cf0b8cd..bc35ba2dcf 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sather.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sather.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " Homepage: http://www.icsi.berkeley.edu/~sather
 " Sather files use .sa as suffix
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -61,44 +58,36 @@ syn match   satherComment	  "--.*" contains=satherComment2String,satherCharacter
 syn sync ccomment satherComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sather_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sather_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink satherBranch		satherStatement
-  HiLink satherLabel		satherStatement
-  HiLink satherConditional	satherStatement
-  HiLink satherSynchronize	satherStatement
-  HiLink satherRepeat		satherStatement
-  HiLink satherExceptions	satherStatement
-  HiLink satherStorageClass	satherDeclarative
-  HiLink satherMethodDecl	satherDeclarative
-  HiLink satherClassDecl	satherDeclarative
-  HiLink satherScopeDecl	satherDeclarative
-  HiLink satherBoolValue	satherValue
-  HiLink satherSpecial		satherValue
-  HiLink satherString		satherValue
-  HiLink satherCharacter	satherValue
-  HiLink satherSpecialCharacter satherValue
-  HiLink satherNumber		satherValue
-  HiLink satherStatement	Statement
-  HiLink satherOperator		Statement
-  HiLink satherComment		Comment
-  HiLink satherType		Type
-  HiLink satherValue		String
-  HiLink satherString		String
-  HiLink satherSpecial		String
-  HiLink satherCharacter	String
-  HiLink satherDeclarative	Type
-  HiLink satherExternal		PreCondit
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink satherBranch		satherStatement
+HiLink satherLabel		satherStatement
+HiLink satherConditional	satherStatement
+HiLink satherSynchronize	satherStatement
+HiLink satherRepeat		satherStatement
+HiLink satherExceptions	satherStatement
+HiLink satherStorageClass	satherDeclarative
+HiLink satherMethodDecl	satherDeclarative
+HiLink satherClassDecl	satherDeclarative
+HiLink satherScopeDecl	satherDeclarative
+HiLink satherBoolValue	satherValue
+HiLink satherSpecial		satherValue
+HiLink satherString		satherValue
+HiLink satherCharacter	satherValue
+HiLink satherSpecialCharacter satherValue
+HiLink satherNumber		satherValue
+HiLink satherStatement	Statement
+HiLink satherOperator		Statement
+HiLink satherComment		Comment
+HiLink satherType		Type
+HiLink satherValue		String
+HiLink satherString		String
+HiLink satherSpecial		String
+HiLink satherCharacter	String
+HiLink satherDeclarative	Type
+HiLink satherExternal		PreCondit
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sather"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/scala.vim b/runtime/syntax/scala.vim
index b04af3be5b..7779c43996 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/scala.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/scala.vim
@@ -7,9 +7,8 @@
 " ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 if !exists('main_syntax')
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  " quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   let main_syntax = 'scala'
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/scheme.vim b/runtime/syntax/scheme.vim
index c59e09cd17..ac50ead6ce 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/scheme.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/scheme.vim
@@ -14,11 +14,8 @@
 
 " Initializing:
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -64,11 +61,7 @@ syn region schemeUnquote matchgroup=Delimiter start=",@#\[" end="\]" contains=AL
 
 " R5RS Scheme Functions and Syntax:
 
-if version < 600
-  set iskeyword=33,35-39,42-58,60-90,94,95,97-122,126,_
-else
-  setlocal iskeyword=33,35-39,42-58,60-90,94,95,97-122,126,_
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=33,35-39,42-58,60-90,94,95,97-122,126,_
 
 syn keyword schemeSyntax lambda and or if cond case define let let* letrec
 syn keyword schemeSyntax begin do delay set! else =>
@@ -306,38 +299,30 @@ syn sync match matchPlace grouphere NONE "^[^ \t]"
 " ... i.e. synchronize on a line that starts at the left margin
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_scheme_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_scheme_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink schemeSyntax		Statement
-  HiLink schemeFunc		Function
+HiLink schemeSyntax		Statement
+HiLink schemeFunc		Function
 
-  HiLink schemeString		String
-  HiLink schemeCharacter	Character
-  HiLink schemeNumber		Number
-  HiLink schemeBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink schemeString		String
+HiLink schemeCharacter	Character
+HiLink schemeNumber		Number
+HiLink schemeBoolean		Boolean
 
-  HiLink schemeDelimiter	Delimiter
-  HiLink schemeConstant		Constant
+HiLink schemeDelimiter	Delimiter
+HiLink schemeConstant		Constant
 
-  HiLink schemeComment		Comment
-  HiLink schemeMultilineComment	Comment
-  HiLink schemeError		Error
+HiLink schemeComment		Comment
+HiLink schemeMultilineComment	Comment
+HiLink schemeError		Error
 
-  HiLink schemeExtSyntax	Type
-  HiLink schemeExtFunc		PreProc
+HiLink schemeExtSyntax	Type
+HiLink schemeExtFunc		PreProc
 
-  HiLink schemeLang		PreProc
+HiLink schemeLang		PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "scheme"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/scilab.vim b/runtime/syntax/scilab.vim
index 1bfc003678..bee4007f57 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/scilab.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/scilab.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 "
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -66,49 +63,41 @@ syn match scilabOverload			"%[A-Za-z0-9?!_#$]\+_[A-Za-z0-9?!_#$]\+"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_scilab_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_scilab_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink	scilabStatement				Statement
-	HiLink	scilabFunction				Keyword
-	HiLink	scilabPredicate				Keyword
-	HiLink	scilabKeyword				Keyword
-	HiLink	scilabDebug					Debug
-	HiLink	scilabRepeat				Repeat
-	HiLink	scilabConditional			Conditional
-	HiLink	scilabMultiplex				Conditional
+HiLink	scilabStatement				Statement
+HiLink	scilabFunction				Keyword
+HiLink	scilabPredicate				Keyword
+HiLink	scilabKeyword				Keyword
+HiLink	scilabDebug					Debug
+HiLink	scilabRepeat				Repeat
+HiLink	scilabConditional			Conditional
+HiLink	scilabMultiplex				Conditional
 
-	HiLink	scilabConstant				Constant
-	HiLink	scilabBoolean				Boolean
+HiLink	scilabConstant				Constant
+HiLink	scilabBoolean				Boolean
 
-	HiLink	scilabDelimiter				Delimiter
-	HiLink	scilabMlistAccess			Delimiter
-	HiLink	scilabComparison			Operator
-	HiLink	scilabLogical				Operator
-	HiLink	scilabAssignment			Operator
-	HiLink	scilabArithmetic			Operator
-	HiLink	scilabRange					Operator
-	HiLink	scilabLineContinuation		Underlined
-	HiLink	scilabTransposition			Operator
+HiLink	scilabDelimiter				Delimiter
+HiLink	scilabMlistAccess			Delimiter
+HiLink	scilabComparison			Operator
+HiLink	scilabLogical				Operator
+HiLink	scilabAssignment			Operator
+HiLink	scilabArithmetic			Operator
+HiLink	scilabRange					Operator
+HiLink	scilabLineContinuation		Underlined
+HiLink	scilabTransposition			Operator
 
-	HiLink	scilabTodo					Todo
-	HiLink	scilabComment				Comment
+HiLink	scilabTodo					Todo
+HiLink	scilabComment				Comment
 
-	HiLink	scilabNumber				Number
-	HiLink	scilabString				String
+HiLink	scilabNumber				Number
+HiLink	scilabString				String
 
-	HiLink	scilabIdentifier			Identifier
-	HiLink	scilabOverload				Special
+HiLink	scilabIdentifier			Identifier
+HiLink	scilabOverload				Special
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "scilab"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sd.vim b/runtime/syntax/sd.vim
index 7fa0e04492..015c1f0890 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sd.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sd.vim
@@ -5,9 +5,8 @@
 " URL: http://netstudent.polito.it/vim_syntax/
 " Last Change: 2012 Feb 03 by Thilo Six
 
-if version < 600
-        syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
         finish
 endif
 
@@ -51,29 +50,22 @@ syn keyword sdSpecial TRUE FALSE NULL
 syn keyword sdDelimiter STREAM STREAM_END
 syn match sdError /^search .\{257,}/
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_config_syntax_inits")
-        if version < 508
-                let did_config_syntax_inits = 1
-                command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-        else
-                command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-        endif
+command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-        HiLink sdIP Number
-		  HiLink sdHostname Type
-        HiLink sdEncoding Identifier
-        HiLink sdCoding Identifier
-        HiLink sdSource Identifier
-        HiLink sdComment Comment
-        HiLink sdIPError Error
-        HiLink sdError Error
-        HiLink sdStatement Statement
-        HiLink sdIPSpecial Special
-        HiLink sdSpecial Special
-		  HiLink sdDelimiter Delimiter
+HiLink sdIP Number
+HiLink sdHostname Type
+HiLink sdEncoding Identifier
+HiLink sdCoding Identifier
+HiLink sdSource Identifier
+HiLink sdComment Comment
+HiLink sdIPError Error
+HiLink sdError Error
+HiLink sdStatement Statement
+HiLink sdIPSpecial Special
+HiLink sdSpecial Special
+HiLink sdDelimiter Delimiter
 
-        delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sd"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sdl.vim b/runtime/syntax/sdl.vim
index b524b72266..51086dad1f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sdl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sdl.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Michael Piefel <entwurf@piefel.de>
 " Last Change:	2 May 2001
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -129,38 +126,29 @@ syn keyword sdlType		STRING OBJECT IDENTIFIER NULL
 syn sync ccomment sdlComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sdl_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_sdl_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	command -nargs=+ Hi     hi <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	command -nargs=+ Hi     hi def <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+command -nargs=+ Hi     hi def <args>
 
-    HiLink  sdlException	Label
-    HiLink  sdlConditional	sdlStatement
-    HiLink  sdlVirtual		sdlStatement
-    HiLink  sdlExported		sdlFlag
-    HiLink  sdlCommentError	sdlError
-    HiLink  sdlOperator		Operator
-    HiLink  sdlStructure	sdlType
-    Hi	    sdlStatement	term=bold ctermfg=4 guifg=Blue
-    Hi	    sdlFlag		term=bold ctermfg=4 guifg=Blue gui=italic
-    Hi	    sdlNewState		term=italic ctermfg=2 guifg=Magenta gui=underline
-    Hi	    sdlInput		term=bold guifg=Red
-    HiLink  sdlType		Type
-    HiLink  sdlString		String
-    HiLink  sdlComment		Comment
-    HiLink  sdlSpecial		Special
-    HiLink  sdlError		Error
+HiLink  sdlException	Label
+HiLink  sdlConditional	sdlStatement
+HiLink  sdlVirtual		sdlStatement
+HiLink  sdlExported		sdlFlag
+HiLink  sdlCommentError	sdlError
+HiLink  sdlOperator		Operator
+HiLink  sdlStructure	sdlType
+Hi	    sdlStatement	term=bold ctermfg=4 guifg=Blue
+Hi	    sdlFlag		term=bold ctermfg=4 guifg=Blue gui=italic
+Hi	    sdlNewState		term=italic ctermfg=2 guifg=Magenta gui=underline
+Hi	    sdlInput		term=bold guifg=Red
+HiLink  sdlType		Type
+HiLink  sdlString		String
+HiLink  sdlComment		Comment
+HiLink  sdlSpecial		Special
+HiLink  sdlError		Error
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-    delcommand Hi
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
+delcommand Hi
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sdl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sed.vim b/runtime/syntax/sed.vim
index f0f80300d6..63b39db81f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sed.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sed.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://folk.uio.no/hakonrk/vim/syntax/sed.vim
 " Last Change:	2010 May 29
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -49,8 +46,12 @@ syn match sedReplaceMeta    "&\|\\\($\|.\)" contains=sedTab contained
 " Metacharacters: $ * . \ ^ [ ~
 " @ is used as delimiter and treated on its own below
 let __at = char2nr("@")
-let __sed_i = char2nr(" ") " ASCII: 32
-let __sed_last = 126
+let __sed_i = char2nr(" ") " ASCII: 32, EBCDIC: 64
+if has("ebcdic")
+    let __sed_last = 255
+else
+    let __sed_last = 126
+endif
 let __sed_metacharacters = '$*.\^[~'
 while __sed_i <= __sed_last
     let __sed_delimiter = escape(nr2char(__sed_i), __sed_metacharacters)
@@ -71,45 +72,36 @@ syn region sedReplacement64 matchgroup=Special start=+@\(\\\\\|\\@\)*+ skip=+[^\
 " (y) does not allow any flags.  To save memory, I ignore this problem.
 syn match sedST	"[sy]" nextgroup=sedRegexp\d\+
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sed_syntax_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_sed_syntax_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
 
-    HiLink sedAddress		Macro
-    HiLink sedACI		NONE
-    HiLink sedBranch		Label
-    HiLink sedComment		Comment
-    HiLink sedDelete		Function
-    HiLink sedError		Error
-    HiLink sedFlag		Type
-    HiLink sedFlagwrite		Constant
-    HiLink sedFunction		Function
-    HiLink sedLabel		Label
-    HiLink sedLineCont		Special
-    HiLink sedPutHoldspc	Function
-    HiLink sedReplaceMeta	Special
-    HiLink sedRegexpMeta	Special
-    HiLink sedRW		Constant
-    HiLink sedSemicolon		Special
-    HiLink sedST		Function
-    HiLink sedSpecial		Special
-    HiLink sedWhitespace	NONE
-    if exists("highlight_sedtabs")
-	HiLink sedTab		Todo
-    endif
-    let __sed_i = char2nr(" ") " ASCII: 32
-    while __sed_i <= __sed_last
-	exe "HiLink sedRegexp".__sed_i		"Macro"
-	exe "HiLink sedReplacement".__sed_i	"NONE"
-	let __sed_i = __sed_i + 1
-    endwhile
-
-    delcommand HiLink
+hi def link sedAddress		Macro
+hi def link sedACI		NONE
+hi def link sedBranch		Label
+hi def link sedComment		Comment
+hi def link sedDelete		Function
+hi def link sedError		Error
+hi def link sedFlag		Type
+hi def link sedFlagwrite		Constant
+hi def link sedFunction		Function
+hi def link sedLabel		Label
+hi def link sedLineCont		Special
+hi def link sedPutHoldspc	Function
+hi def link sedReplaceMeta	Special
+hi def link sedRegexpMeta	Special
+hi def link sedRW		Constant
+hi def link sedSemicolon		Special
+hi def link sedST		Function
+hi def link sedSpecial		Special
+hi def link sedWhitespace	NONE
+if exists("highlight_sedtabs")
+hi def link sedTab		Todo
 endif
+let __sed_i = char2nr(" ") " ASCII: 32, EBCDIC: 64
+while __sed_i <= __sed_last
+exe "hi def link sedRegexp".__sed_i		"Macro"
+exe "hi def link sedReplacement".__sed_i	"NONE"
+let __sed_i = __sed_i + 1
+endwhile
+
 
 unlet __sed_i __sed_last __sed_delimiter __sed_metacharacters
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sendpr.vim b/runtime/syntax/sendpr.vim
index 6cf9395fe9..2e07802047 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sendpr.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sendpr.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 "
 " http://raisdorf.net/files/misc/send-pr.vim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sgml.vim b/runtime/syntax/sgml.vim
index c0c3643dd2..d60040c5d9 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sgml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sgml.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Filenames:	*.sgml,*.sgm
 " $Id: sgml.vim,v 1.1 2004/06/13 17:52:57 vimboss Exp $
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sgmldecl.vim b/runtime/syntax/sgmldecl.vim
index 13551b21c1..1bf1b49e34 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sgmldecl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sgmldecl.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " You can modify and maintain this file, in other case send comments
 " the maintainer email address.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 let s:keepcpo= &cpo
@@ -52,30 +49,22 @@ syn sync lines=250
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sgmldecl_syntax_init")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sgmldecl_syntax_init = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-      HiLink	sgmldeclDeclKeys	Keyword
-      HiLink	sgmldeclTypes		Type
-      HiLink	sgmldeclConst		Constant
-      HiLink	sgmldeclNConst		Constant
-      HiLink	sgmldeclString		String
-      HiLink	sgmldeclDeclBlock	Normal
-      HiLink	sgmldeclBool		Boolean
-      HiLink	sgmldeclSpecial		Special
-      HiLink	sgmldeclComment		Comment
-      HiLink	sgmldeclStatem		Statement
-	  HiLink	sgmldeclVariables	Type
+HiLink	sgmldeclDeclKeys	Keyword
+HiLink	sgmldeclTypes		Type
+HiLink	sgmldeclConst		Constant
+HiLink	sgmldeclNConst		Constant
+HiLink	sgmldeclString		String
+HiLink	sgmldeclDeclBlock	Normal
+HiLink	sgmldeclBool		Boolean
+HiLink	sgmldeclSpecial		Special
+HiLink	sgmldeclComment		Comment
+HiLink	sgmldeclStatem		Statement
+HiLink	sgmldeclVariables	Type
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sgmldecl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sgmllnx.vim b/runtime/syntax/sgmllnx.vim
index 28224f601e..7fd633d404 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sgmllnx.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sgmllnx.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	SungHyun Nam <goweol@gmail.com>
 " Last Change:	2013 May 13
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -36,31 +33,23 @@ syn region sgmllnxComment start=+<!--+ end=+-->+
 syn region sgmllnxDocType start=+<!doctype+ end=+>+
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sgmllnx_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sgmllnx_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink sgmllnxTag2	    Function
-  HiLink sgmllnxTagN2	    Function
-  HiLink sgmllnxTag	    Special
-  HiLink sgmllnxEndTag	    Special
-  HiLink sgmllnxParen	    Special
-  HiLink sgmllnxEntity	    Type
-  HiLink sgmllnxDocEnt	    Type
-  HiLink sgmllnxTagName	    Statement
-  HiLink sgmllnxComment	    Comment
-  HiLink sgmllnxSpecial	    Special
-  HiLink sgmllnxDocType	    PreProc
-  HiLink sgmllnxTagError    Error
+HiLink sgmllnxTag2	    Function
+HiLink sgmllnxTagN2	    Function
+HiLink sgmllnxTag	    Special
+HiLink sgmllnxEndTag	    Special
+HiLink sgmllnxParen	    Special
+HiLink sgmllnxEntity	    Type
+HiLink sgmllnxDocEnt	    Type
+HiLink sgmllnxTagName	    Statement
+HiLink sgmllnxComment	    Comment
+HiLink sgmllnxSpecial	    Special
+HiLink sgmllnxDocType	    PreProc
+HiLink sgmllnxTagError    Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sgmllnx"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sh.vim b/runtime/syntax/sh.vim
index ef90ebea22..31c7b0534c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sh.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sh.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " For options and settings, please use:      :help ft-sh-syntax
 " This file includes many ideas from Eric Brunet (eric.brunet@ens.fr)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items {{{1
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if v:version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sicad.vim b/runtime/syntax/sicad.vim
index 7e32451bed..04f870d04e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sicad.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sicad.vim
@@ -4,28 +4,17 @@
 " Last Change:  2003 May 11
 " URL:		http://lmark.mgx.hu:81/download/vim/sicad.vim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " use SQL highlighting after 'sql' command
-if version >= 600
-  syn include @SQL syntax/sql.vim
-else
-  syn include @SQL <sfile>:p:h/sql.vim
-endif
+syn include @SQL syntax/sql.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " spaces are used in (auto)indents since sicad hates tabulator characters
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal expandtab
-else
-  set expandtab
-endif
+setlocal expandtab
 
 " ignore case
 syn case ignore
@@ -369,44 +358,34 @@ syn keyword sicadStatement zparbn zparf zparfn zparfw zparfwn
 syn keyword sicadStatement zparp zparpn zwinkp zwinkpn
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sicad_syntax_inits")
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sicad_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-
-  HiLink sicadLabel PreProc
-  HiLink sicadLabel1 sicadLabel
-  HiLink sicadLabel2 sicadLabel
-  HiLink sicadConditional Conditional
-  HiLink sicadBoolean Boolean
-  HiLink sicadNumber Number
-  HiLink sicadFloat Float
-  HiLink sicadOperator Operator
-  HiLink sicadStatement Statement
-  HiLink sicadParameter sicadStatement
-  HiLink sicadGoto sicadStatement
-  HiLink sicadLineCont sicadStatement
-  HiLink sicadString String
-  HiLink sicadComment Comment
-  HiLink sicadSpecial Special
-  HiLink sicadIdentifier Type
+HiLink sicadLabel PreProc
+HiLink sicadLabel1 sicadLabel
+HiLink sicadLabel2 sicadLabel
+HiLink sicadConditional Conditional
+HiLink sicadBoolean Boolean
+HiLink sicadNumber Number
+HiLink sicadFloat Float
+HiLink sicadOperator Operator
+HiLink sicadStatement Statement
+HiLink sicadParameter sicadStatement
+HiLink sicadGoto sicadStatement
+HiLink sicadLineCont sicadStatement
+HiLink sicadString String
+HiLink sicadComment Comment
+HiLink sicadSpecial Special
+HiLink sicadIdentifier Type
 "  HiLink sicadIdentifier Identifier
-  HiLink sicadError Error
-  HiLink sicadParenError sicadError
-  HiLink sicadApostropheError sicadError
-  HiLink sicadStringError sicadError
-  HiLink sicadCommentError sicadError
+HiLink sicadError Error
+HiLink sicadParenError sicadError
+HiLink sicadApostropheError sicadError
+HiLink sicadStringError sicadError
+HiLink sicadCommentError sicadError
 "  HiLink sqlStatement Special  " modified highlight group in sql.vim
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sicad"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/simula.vim b/runtime/syntax/simula.vim
index e952ee26c3..eb3f8a1e85 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/simula.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/simula.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://folk.uio.no/hakonrk/vim/syntax/simula.vim
 " Last Change:	2001 May 15
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -58,42 +55,35 @@ syn match	simulaReal		"-\=\<\d\+\(\.\d\+\)\=\(&&\=[+-]\=\d\+\)\=\>"
 " Real starting with a `.', optional exponent
 syn match	simulaReal		"-\=\.\d\+\(&&\=[+-]\=\d\+\)\=\>"
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_simula_syntax_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_simula_syntax_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink simulaAssigned		Identifier
-    HiLink simulaBoolean		Boolean
-    HiLink simulaCharacter		Character
-    HiLink simulaCharError		Error
-    HiLink simulaComment		Comment
-    HiLink simulaCompound		Statement
-    HiLink simulaConditional		Conditional
-    HiLink simulaConstant		Constant
-    HiLink simulaFunction		Function
-    HiLink simulaNumber			Number
-    HiLink simulaOperator		Operator
-    HiLink simulaReal			Float
-    HiLink simulaReferenceType		Type
-    HiLink simulaRepeat			Repeat
-    HiLink simulaReserved		Error
-    HiLink simulaSemicolon		Statement
-    HiLink simulaSpecial		Special
-    HiLink simulaSpecialChar		SpecialChar
-    HiLink simulaSpecialCharErr		Error
-    HiLink simulaStatement		Statement
-    HiLink simulaStorageClass		StorageClass
-    HiLink simulaString			String
-    HiLink simulaStructure		Structure
-    HiLink simulaTodo			Todo
-    HiLink simulaType			Type
+HiLink simulaAssigned		Identifier
+HiLink simulaBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink simulaCharacter		Character
+HiLink simulaCharError		Error
+HiLink simulaComment		Comment
+HiLink simulaCompound		Statement
+HiLink simulaConditional		Conditional
+HiLink simulaConstant		Constant
+HiLink simulaFunction		Function
+HiLink simulaNumber			Number
+HiLink simulaOperator		Operator
+HiLink simulaReal			Float
+HiLink simulaReferenceType		Type
+HiLink simulaRepeat			Repeat
+HiLink simulaReserved		Error
+HiLink simulaSemicolon		Statement
+HiLink simulaSpecial		Special
+HiLink simulaSpecialChar		SpecialChar
+HiLink simulaSpecialCharErr		Error
+HiLink simulaStatement		Statement
+HiLink simulaStorageClass		StorageClass
+HiLink simulaString			String
+HiLink simulaStructure		Structure
+HiLink simulaTodo			Todo
+HiLink simulaType			Type
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "simula"
 " vim: sts=4 sw=4 ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sinda.vim b/runtime/syntax/sinda.vim
index 2bde267c2f..ef0929e07a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sinda.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sinda.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -32,11 +29,7 @@ syn case ignore
 let fortran_free_source=1
 
 " Load FORTRAN syntax file
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/fortran.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/fortran.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/fortran.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 
@@ -106,39 +99,31 @@ endif
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sinda_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sinda_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink sindaMacro		Macro
-  HiLink sindaOptions		Special
-  HiLink sindaRoutine		Type
-  HiLink sindaControl		Special
-  HiLink sindaSubRoutine	Function
-  HiLink sindaIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink sindaMacro		Macro
+HiLink sindaOptions		Special
+HiLink sindaRoutine		Type
+HiLink sindaControl		Special
+HiLink sindaSubRoutine	Function
+HiLink sindaIdentifier	Identifier
 
-  HiLink sindaFortran		PreProc
-  HiLink sindaMotran		PreProc
+HiLink sindaFortran		PreProc
+HiLink sindaMotran		PreProc
 
-  HiLink sindaComment		Comment
-  HiLink sindaHeader		Typedef
-  HiLink sindaIncludeFile	Type
-  HiLink sindaInteger		Number
-  HiLink sindaFloat		Float
-  HiLink sindaScientific	Float
+HiLink sindaComment		Comment
+HiLink sindaHeader		Typedef
+HiLink sindaIncludeFile	Type
+HiLink sindaInteger		Number
+HiLink sindaFloat		Float
+HiLink sindaScientific	Float
 
-  HiLink sindaEndData		Macro
+HiLink sindaEndData		Macro
 
-  HiLink sindaTodo		Todo
+HiLink sindaTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sinda"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sindacmp.vim b/runtime/syntax/sindacmp.vim
index 87b483409a..28c3cdc0ea 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sindacmp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sindacmp.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -45,28 +42,20 @@ syn match  sindacmpFloat       "-\=\<[0-9]*\.[0-9]*"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sindacmp_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sindacmp_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink sindacmpTitle		     Type
-  HiLink sindacmpUnit		     PreProc
+HiLink sindacmpTitle		     Type
+HiLink sindacmpUnit		     PreProc
 
-  HiLink sindacmpLabel		     Statement
+HiLink sindacmpLabel		     Statement
 
-  HiLink sindacmpHeader		     sindaHeader
+HiLink sindacmpHeader		     sindaHeader
 
-  HiLink sindacmpInteger	     Number
-  HiLink sindacmpFloat		     Special
+HiLink sindacmpInteger	     Number
+HiLink sindacmpFloat		     Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sindacmp"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sindaout.vim b/runtime/syntax/sindaout.vim
index b557e017eb..b4fb177f06 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sindaout.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sindaout.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -24,11 +21,7 @@ syn case match
 
 
 " Load SINDA syntax file
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/sinda.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/sinda.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/sinda.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 
@@ -66,33 +59,25 @@ syn match sindaoutError		"<<< Error >>>"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sindaout_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sindaout_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  hi sindaHeaderDelim  ctermfg=Black ctermbg=Green	       guifg=Black guibg=Green
+hi sindaHeaderDelim  ctermfg=Black ctermbg=Green	       guifg=Black guibg=Green
 
-  HiLink sindaoutPos		     Statement
-  HiLink sindaoutNeg		     PreProc
-  HiLink sindaoutTitle		     Type
-  HiLink sindaoutFile		     sindaIncludeFile
-  HiLink sindaoutInteger	     sindaInteger
+HiLink sindaoutPos		     Statement
+HiLink sindaoutNeg		     PreProc
+HiLink sindaoutTitle		     Type
+HiLink sindaoutFile		     sindaIncludeFile
+HiLink sindaoutInteger	     sindaInteger
 
-  HiLink sindaoutSectionDelim	      Delimiter
-  HiLink sindaoutSectionTitle	     Exception
-  HiLink sindaoutHeaderDelim	     SpecialComment
-  HiLink sindaoutLabel		     Identifier
+HiLink sindaoutSectionDelim	      Delimiter
+HiLink sindaoutSectionTitle	     Exception
+HiLink sindaoutHeaderDelim	     SpecialComment
+HiLink sindaoutLabel		     Identifier
 
-  HiLink sindaoutError		     Error
+HiLink sindaoutError		     Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sindaout"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sisu.vim b/runtime/syntax/sisu.vim
index 0e0f2dbe0a..83d2a17245 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sisu.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sisu.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,9 @@
 "      <http://git.sisudoc.org/gitweb/?p=code/sisu.git;a=blob_plain;f=data/sisu/conf/editor-syntax-etc/vim/syntax/sisu.vim;hb=HEAD>
 "(originally looked at Ruby Vim by Mirko Nasato)
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
-else
 endif
 let s:cpo_save = &cpo
 set cpo&vim
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/skill.vim b/runtime/syntax/skill.vim
index 8b960441f6..f32d5ee3ed 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/skill.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/skill.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 "				database. This file also defines syntax highlighting for
 "				certain Design Framework II interface functions.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -525,37 +522,29 @@ syn match skillCommentError			"\*/"
 syn sync ccomment skillComment minlines=10
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_skill_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_skill_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink skillcdfFunctions	Function
-	HiLink skillgeFunctions		Function
-	HiLink skillhiFunctions		Function
-	HiLink skillleFunctions		Function
-	HiLink skilldbefFunctions	Function
-	HiLink skillddFunctions		Function
-	HiLink skillpcFunctions		Function
-	HiLink skilltechFunctions	Function
-	HiLink skillConstants		Constant
-	HiLink skillFunction		Function
-	HiLink skillKeywords		Statement
-	HiLink skillConditional		Conditional
-	HiLink skillRepeat			Repeat
-	HiLink skillString			String
-	HiLink skillTodo			Todo
-	HiLink skillNote			Todo
-	HiLink skillComment			Comment
-	HiLink skillCommentError	Error
+HiLink skillcdfFunctions	Function
+HiLink skillgeFunctions		Function
+HiLink skillhiFunctions		Function
+HiLink skillleFunctions		Function
+HiLink skilldbefFunctions	Function
+HiLink skillddFunctions		Function
+HiLink skillpcFunctions		Function
+HiLink skilltechFunctions	Function
+HiLink skillConstants		Constant
+HiLink skillFunction		Function
+HiLink skillKeywords		Statement
+HiLink skillConditional		Conditional
+HiLink skillRepeat			Repeat
+HiLink skillString			String
+HiLink skillTodo			Todo
+HiLink skillNote			Todo
+HiLink skillComment			Comment
+HiLink skillCommentError	Error
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "skill"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sl.vim b/runtime/syntax/sl.vim
index fa3bca06dd..a40d43ea6a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sl.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Dan Piponi <dan@tanelorn.demon.co.uk>
 " Last Change:	2001 May 09
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -75,45 +72,37 @@ syn keyword slVariable dtime dPdtime
 syn sync ccomment slComment minlines=10
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sl_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sl_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink slLabel	Label
-  HiLink slUserLabel	Label
-  HiLink slConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink slRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink slCharacter	Character
-  HiLink slSpecialCharacter slSpecial
-  HiLink slNumber	Number
-  HiLink slFloat	Float
-  HiLink slParenError	slError
-  HiLink slInParen	slError
-  HiLink slCommentError	slError
-  HiLink slOperator	Operator
-  HiLink slStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink slError	Error
-  HiLink slStatement	Statement
-  HiLink slType		Type
-  HiLink slCommentError	slError
-  HiLink slCommentString slString
-  HiLink slComment2String slString
-  HiLink slCommentSkip	slComment
-  HiLink slString	String
-  HiLink slComment	Comment
-  HiLink slSpecial	SpecialChar
-  HiLink slTodo	Todo
-  HiLink slVariable	Identifier
-  "HiLink slIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink slLabel	Label
+HiLink slUserLabel	Label
+HiLink slConditional	Conditional
+HiLink slRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink slCharacter	Character
+HiLink slSpecialCharacter slSpecial
+HiLink slNumber	Number
+HiLink slFloat	Float
+HiLink slParenError	slError
+HiLink slInParen	slError
+HiLink slCommentError	slError
+HiLink slOperator	Operator
+HiLink slStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink slError	Error
+HiLink slStatement	Statement
+HiLink slType		Type
+HiLink slCommentError	slError
+HiLink slCommentString slString
+HiLink slComment2String slString
+HiLink slCommentSkip	slComment
+HiLink slString	String
+HiLink slComment	Comment
+HiLink slSpecial	SpecialChar
+HiLink slTodo	Todo
+HiLink slVariable	Identifier
+"HiLink slIdentifier	Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/slang.vim b/runtime/syntax/slang.vim
index 9fa89b4d61..938e8d5c51 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/slang.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/slang.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Jan Hlavacek <lahvak@math.ohio-state.edu>
 " Last Change:	980216
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -55,47 +52,39 @@ syn keyword slangOperator	sizeof
 syn region slangPreCondit start="^\s*#\s*\(ifdef\>\|ifndef\>\|iftrue\>\|ifnfalse\>\|iffalse\>\|ifntrue\>\|if\$\|ifn\$\|\|elif\>\|else\>\|endif\>\)" skip="\\$" end="$" contains=cComment,slangString,slangCharacter,slangNumber
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_slang_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_slang_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink slangDefinition	Type
-  HiLink slangBlock		slangDefinition
-  HiLink slangLabel		Label
-  HiLink slangConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink slangRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink slangCharacter	Character
-  HiLink slangFloat		Float
-  HiLink slangImaginary	Float
-  HiLink slangDecimal		slangNumber
-  HiLink slangOctal		slangNumber
-  HiLink slangHex		slangNumber
-  HiLink slangNumber		Number
-  HiLink slangParenError	Error
-  HiLink slangOctalError	Error
-  HiLink slangOperator		Operator
-  HiLink slangStructure	Structure
-  HiLink slangInclude		Include
-  HiLink slangPreCondit	PreCondit
-  HiLink slangError		Error
-  HiLink slangStatement	Statement
-  HiLink slangType		Type
-  HiLink slangString		String
-  HiLink slangConstant		Constant
-  HiLink slangRangeArray	slangConstant
-  HiLink slangComment		Comment
-  HiLink slangSpecial		SpecialChar
-  HiLink slangTodo		Todo
-  HiLink slangDelim		Delimiter
+HiLink slangDefinition	Type
+HiLink slangBlock		slangDefinition
+HiLink slangLabel		Label
+HiLink slangConditional	Conditional
+HiLink slangRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink slangCharacter	Character
+HiLink slangFloat		Float
+HiLink slangImaginary	Float
+HiLink slangDecimal		slangNumber
+HiLink slangOctal		slangNumber
+HiLink slangHex		slangNumber
+HiLink slangNumber		Number
+HiLink slangParenError	Error
+HiLink slangOctalError	Error
+HiLink slangOperator		Operator
+HiLink slangStructure	Structure
+HiLink slangInclude		Include
+HiLink slangPreCondit	PreCondit
+HiLink slangError		Error
+HiLink slangStatement	Statement
+HiLink slangType		Type
+HiLink slangString		String
+HiLink slangConstant		Constant
+HiLink slangRangeArray	slangConstant
+HiLink slangComment		Comment
+HiLink slangSpecial		SpecialChar
+HiLink slangTodo		Todo
+HiLink slangDelim		Delimiter
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "slang"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/slice.vim b/runtime/syntax/slice.vim
index 4e2f9a8604..202aee7599 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/slice.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/slice.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Morel Bodin <slice06@nym.hush.com>
 " Last Change:	2005 Dec 03
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -58,33 +55,25 @@ syn match sliceComment	"//.*"
 syn sync ccomment sliceComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_slice_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_slice_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink sliceComment	Comment
-  HiLink sliceConstruct	Keyword
-  HiLink sliceType	Type
-  HiLink sliceString	String
-  HiLink sliceIncluded	String
-  HiLink sliceQualifier	Keyword
-  HiLink sliceInclude	Include
-  HiLink sliceGuard	PreProc
-  HiLink sliceBoolean	Boolean
-  HiLink sliceFloat	Number
-  HiLink sliceNumber	Number
-  HiLink sliceOctal	Number
-  HiLink sliceOctalZero	Special
-  HiLink sliceNumberError Special
+HiLink sliceComment	Comment
+HiLink sliceConstruct	Keyword
+HiLink sliceType	Type
+HiLink sliceString	String
+HiLink sliceIncluded	String
+HiLink sliceQualifier	Keyword
+HiLink sliceInclude	Include
+HiLink sliceGuard	PreProc
+HiLink sliceBoolean	Boolean
+HiLink sliceFloat	Number
+HiLink sliceNumber	Number
+HiLink sliceOctal	Number
+HiLink sliceOctalZero	Special
+HiLink sliceNumberError Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "slice"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/slrnrc.vim b/runtime/syntax/slrnrc.vim
index 038b62e166..a55439a20a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/slrnrc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/slrnrc.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Preben 'Peppe' Guldberg <peppe-vim@wielders.org>
 " Last Change:	23 April 2006
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -150,44 +147,36 @@ syn match   slrnrcSetkey	"^\s*setkey\>" skipwhite nextgroup=slrnrcSetkeyArt,slrn
 syn match   slrnrcUnsetkey	'^\s*unsetkey\s\+\("\)\=\(article\|group\|readline\)\>\1' skipwhite nextgroup=slrnrcKey contains=slrnrcSetkeyObj\(Str\)\=
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_slrnrc_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_slrnrc_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink slrnrcTodo		Todo
-  HiLink slrnrcSpaceError	Error
-  HiLink slrnrcNumber		Number
-  HiLink slrnrcSpecKey		SpecialChar
-  HiLink slrnrcKey		String
-  HiLink slrnrcSpecChar		SpecialChar
-  HiLink slrnrcString		String
-  HiLink slrnSlangPreCondit	Special
-  HiLink slrnrcComment		Comment
-  HiLink slrnrcVarInt		Identifier
-  HiLink slrnrcVarStr		Identifier
-  HiLink slrnrcCmd		slrnrcSet
-  HiLink slrnrcSet		Operator
-  HiLink slrnrcColor		Keyword
-  HiLink slrnrcColorObj		Identifier
-  HiLink slrnrcColorVal		String
-  HiLink slrnrcMono		Keyword
-  HiLink slrnrcMonoObj		Identifier
-  HiLink slrnrcMonoVal		String
-  HiLink slrnrcFunArt		Macro
-  HiLink slrnrcFunGroup		Macro
-  HiLink slrnrcFunRead		Macro
-  HiLink slrnrcSetkeyObj	Identifier
-  HiLink slrnrcSetkey		Keyword
-  HiLink slrnrcUnsetkey		slrnrcSetkey
+HiLink slrnrcTodo		Todo
+HiLink slrnrcSpaceError	Error
+HiLink slrnrcNumber		Number
+HiLink slrnrcSpecKey		SpecialChar
+HiLink slrnrcKey		String
+HiLink slrnrcSpecChar		SpecialChar
+HiLink slrnrcString		String
+HiLink slrnSlangPreCondit	Special
+HiLink slrnrcComment		Comment
+HiLink slrnrcVarInt		Identifier
+HiLink slrnrcVarStr		Identifier
+HiLink slrnrcCmd		slrnrcSet
+HiLink slrnrcSet		Operator
+HiLink slrnrcColor		Keyword
+HiLink slrnrcColorObj		Identifier
+HiLink slrnrcColorVal		String
+HiLink slrnrcMono		Keyword
+HiLink slrnrcMonoObj		Identifier
+HiLink slrnrcMonoVal		String
+HiLink slrnrcFunArt		Macro
+HiLink slrnrcFunGroup		Macro
+HiLink slrnrcFunRead		Macro
+HiLink slrnrcSetkeyObj	Identifier
+HiLink slrnrcSetkey		Keyword
+HiLink slrnrcUnsetkey		slrnrcSetkey
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "slrnrc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/slrnsc.vim b/runtime/syntax/slrnsc.vim
index 838af6ad1c..a5dfa55e54 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/slrnsc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/slrnsc.vim
@@ -3,20 +3,13 @@
 " Maintainer:	Preben 'Peppe' Guldberg <peppe@wielders.org>
 " Last Change:	8 Oct 2004
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " characters in newsgroup names
-if version < 600
-  set isk=@,48-57,.,-,_,+
-else
-  setlocal isk=@,48-57,.,-,_,+
-endif
+setlocal isk=@,48-57,.,-,_,+
 
 syn match slrnscComment		"%.*$"
 syn match slrnscSectionCom	".].*"lc=2
@@ -51,34 +44,26 @@ syn match slrnscScoreIdent	contained "%.*"
 syn match slrnScoreLine		"^\s*Score::\=\s\+=\=[-+]\=\d\+\s*\(%.*\)\=$" skipempty nextgroup=slrnscScoreItem contains=slrnscScore,slrnscDelim,slrnscOper,slrnscNumber,slrnscScoreIdent
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_slrnsc_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_slrnsc_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink slrnscComment		Comment
-  HiLink slrnscSectionCom	slrnscComment
-  HiLink slrnscGroup		String
-  HiLink slrnscNumber		Number
-  HiLink slrnscDate		Special
-  HiLink slrnscDelim		Delimiter
-  HiLink slrnscComma		SpecialChar
-  HiLink slrnscOper		SpecialChar
-  HiLink slrnscEsc		String
-  HiLink slrnscSectionStd	Type
-  HiLink slrnscSectionNot	Delimiter
-  HiLink slrnscItem		Statement
-  HiLink slrnscScore		Keyword
-  HiLink slrnscScoreIdent	Identifier
-  HiLink slrnscInclude		Keyword
+HiLink slrnscComment		Comment
+HiLink slrnscSectionCom	slrnscComment
+HiLink slrnscGroup		String
+HiLink slrnscNumber		Number
+HiLink slrnscDate		Special
+HiLink slrnscDelim		Delimiter
+HiLink slrnscComma		SpecialChar
+HiLink slrnscOper		SpecialChar
+HiLink slrnscEsc		String
+HiLink slrnscSectionStd	Type
+HiLink slrnscSectionNot	Delimiter
+HiLink slrnscItem		Statement
+HiLink slrnscScore		Keyword
+HiLink slrnscScoreIdent	Identifier
+HiLink slrnscInclude		Keyword
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "slrnsc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sm.vim b/runtime/syntax/sm.vim
index 8fdc14b71a..33a67724f1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sm.vim
@@ -56,36 +56,28 @@ syn match smClauseCont	contained	"^\t"
 syn region smClause	matchgroup=Delimiter start="\$?." matchgroup=Delimiter end="\$\." contains=smElse,smClause,smVar,smClauseCont
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_smil_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_smil_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink smClause	Special
-  HiLink smClauseError	Error
-  HiLink smComment	Comment
-  HiLink smDefine	Statement
-  HiLink smElse		Delimiter
-  HiLink smHeader	Statement
-  HiLink smHeaderSep	String
-  HiLink smMesg		Special
-  HiLink smPrecedence	Number
-  HiLink smRewrite	Statement
-  HiLink smRewriteComment	Comment
-  HiLink smRewriteLhsToken	String
-  HiLink smRewriteLhsUser	Statement
-  HiLink smRewriteRhsToken	String
-  HiLink smRuleset	Preproc
-  HiLink smTrusted	Special
-  HiLink smVar		String
+HiLink smClause	Special
+HiLink smClauseError	Error
+HiLink smComment	Comment
+HiLink smDefine	Statement
+HiLink smElse		Delimiter
+HiLink smHeader	Statement
+HiLink smHeaderSep	String
+HiLink smMesg		Special
+HiLink smPrecedence	Number
+HiLink smRewrite	Statement
+HiLink smRewriteComment	Comment
+HiLink smRewriteLhsToken	String
+HiLink smRewriteLhsUser	Statement
+HiLink smRewriteRhsToken	String
+HiLink smRuleset	Preproc
+HiLink smTrusted	Special
+HiLink smVar		String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/smarty.vim b/runtime/syntax/smarty.vim
index 6dda366ba2..ab8e85dced 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/smarty.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/smarty.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,10 @@
 " For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
 " For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
-  finish
-endif
+  " quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
+    finish
+  endif
   let main_syntax = 'smarty'
 endif
 
@@ -57,25 +56,18 @@ syn region  htmlString   contained start=+'+ end=+'+ contains=htmlSpecialChar,ja
   syn region htmlLink start="<a\>\_[^>]*\<href\>" end="</a>"me=e-4 contains=@Spell,htmlTag,htmlEndTag,htmlSpecialChar,htmlPreProc,htmlComment,javaScript,@htmlPreproc,smartyZone
 
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_smarty_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_smarty_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink smartyTagName Identifier
-  HiLink smartyProperty Constant
-  " if you want the text inside the braces to be colored, then
-  " remove the comment in from of the next statement
-  "HiLink smartyZone Include
-  HiLink smartyInFunc Function
-  HiLink smartyBlock Constant
-  HiLink smartyDot SpecialChar
-  HiLink smartyModifier Function
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink smartyTagName Identifier
+HiLink smartyProperty Constant
+" if you want the text inside the braces to be colored, then
+" remove the comment in from of the next statement
+"HiLink smartyZone Include
+HiLink smartyInFunc Function
+HiLink smartyBlock Constant
+HiLink smartyDot SpecialChar
+HiLink smartyModifier Function
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "smarty"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/smcl.vim b/runtime/syntax/smcl.vim
index d9afba6de5..a5baa47e96 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/smcl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/smcl.vim
@@ -10,9 +10,8 @@
 "		check for 'b:current_syntax', removed 'did_smcl_syntax_inits'
 " 26apr2006	changed 'stata_smcl' to 'smcl'
 
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/smil.vim b/runtime/syntax/smil.vim
index 6b5a002868..84826323cf 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/smil.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/smil.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " To learn more about SMIL, please refer to http://www.w3.org/AudioVideo/
 " and to http://www.helio.org/products/smil/tutorial/
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -115,38 +112,30 @@ endif
 syn region smilComment		      start=+<!DOCTYPE+ keepend end=+>+
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_smil_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_smil_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink smilTag			Function
-  HiLink smilEndTag			Identifier
-  HiLink smilArg			Type
-  HiLink smilTagName			smilStatement
-  HiLink smilSpecialTagName		Exception
-  HiLink smilValue			Value
-  HiLink smilSpecialChar		Special
+HiLink smilTag			Function
+HiLink smilEndTag			Identifier
+HiLink smilArg			Type
+HiLink smilTagName			smilStatement
+HiLink smilSpecialTagName		Exception
+HiLink smilValue			Value
+HiLink smilSpecialChar		Special
 
-  HiLink smilSpecial			Special
-  HiLink smilSpecialChar		Special
-  HiLink smilString			String
-  HiLink smilStatement			Statement
-  HiLink smilComment			Comment
-  HiLink smilCommentPart		Comment
-  HiLink smilPreProc			PreProc
-  HiLink smilValue			String
-  HiLink smilCommentError		smilError
-  HiLink smilTagError			smilError
-  HiLink smilError			Error
+HiLink smilSpecial			Special
+HiLink smilSpecialChar		Special
+HiLink smilString			String
+HiLink smilStatement			Statement
+HiLink smilComment			Comment
+HiLink smilCommentPart		Comment
+HiLink smilPreProc			PreProc
+HiLink smilValue			String
+HiLink smilCommentError		smilError
+HiLink smilTagError			smilError
+HiLink smilError			Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "smil"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/smith.vim b/runtime/syntax/smith.vim
index e05ce69683..82429691c1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/smith.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/smith.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Rafal M. Sulejman <rms@poczta.onet.pl>
 " Last Change:	21.07.2000
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -28,24 +25,16 @@ syn region smithString		start=+"+  skip=+\\\\\|\\"+  end=+"+
 syn case match
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_smith_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_smith_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink smithRegister	Identifier
-  HiLink smithKeyword	Keyword
-	HiLink smithComment Comment
-	HiLink smithString String
-  HiLink smithNumber	Number
+HiLink smithRegister	Identifier
+HiLink smithKeyword	Keyword
+HiLink smithComment Comment
+HiLink smithString String
+HiLink smithNumber	Number
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "smith"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sml.vim b/runtime/syntax/sml.vim
index aa7d64a33a..01d494d2be 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sml.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 "               2002 Jun 02 - Fixed small typo  (MM)
 "               2001 Nov 20 - Fixed small highlighting bug with modules (MM)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -168,62 +165,54 @@ syn sync match smlSigSync     grouphere  smlSig     "\<sig\>"
 syn sync match smlSigSync     groupthere smlSig     "\<end\>"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sml_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sml_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink smlBraceErr	 Error
-  HiLink smlBrackErr	 Error
-  HiLink smlParenErr	 Error
+HiLink smlBraceErr	 Error
+HiLink smlBrackErr	 Error
+HiLink smlParenErr	 Error
 
-  HiLink smlCommentErr	 Error
+HiLink smlCommentErr	 Error
 
-  HiLink smlEndErr	 Error
-  HiLink smlThenErr	 Error
+HiLink smlEndErr	 Error
+HiLink smlThenErr	 Error
 
-  HiLink smlCharErr	 Error
+HiLink smlCharErr	 Error
 
-  HiLink smlComment	 Comment
+HiLink smlComment	 Comment
 
-  HiLink smlModPath	 Include
-  HiLink smlModule	 Include
-  HiLink smlModParam1	 Include
-  HiLink smlModType	 Include
-  HiLink smlMPRestr3	 Include
-  HiLink smlFullMod	 Include
-  HiLink smlModTypeRestr Include
-  HiLink smlWith	 Include
-  HiLink smlMTDef	 Include
+HiLink smlModPath	 Include
+HiLink smlModule	 Include
+HiLink smlModParam1	 Include
+HiLink smlModType	 Include
+HiLink smlMPRestr3	 Include
+HiLink smlFullMod	 Include
+HiLink smlModTypeRestr Include
+HiLink smlWith	 Include
+HiLink smlMTDef	 Include
 
-  HiLink smlConstructor  Constant
+HiLink smlConstructor  Constant
 
-  HiLink smlModPreRHS	 Keyword
-  HiLink smlMPRestr2	 Keyword
-  HiLink smlKeyword	 Keyword
-  HiLink smlFunDef	 Keyword
-  HiLink smlRefAssign	 Keyword
-  HiLink smlKeyChar	 Keyword
-  HiLink smlAnyVar	 Keyword
-  HiLink smlTopStop	 Keyword
-  HiLink smlOperator	 Keyword
+HiLink smlModPreRHS	 Keyword
+HiLink smlMPRestr2	 Keyword
+HiLink smlKeyword	 Keyword
+HiLink smlFunDef	 Keyword
+HiLink smlRefAssign	 Keyword
+HiLink smlKeyChar	 Keyword
+HiLink smlAnyVar	 Keyword
+HiLink smlTopStop	 Keyword
+HiLink smlOperator	 Keyword
 
-  HiLink smlBoolean	 Boolean
-  HiLink smlCharacter	 Character
-  HiLink smlNumber	 Number
-  HiLink smlReal	 Float
-  HiLink smlString	 String
-  HiLink smlType	 Type
-  HiLink smlTodo	 Todo
-  HiLink smlEncl	 Keyword
+HiLink smlBoolean	 Boolean
+HiLink smlCharacter	 Character
+HiLink smlNumber	 Number
+HiLink smlReal	 Float
+HiLink smlString	 String
+HiLink smlType	 Type
+HiLink smlTodo	 Todo
+HiLink smlEncl	 Keyword
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sml"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/snnsnet.vim b/runtime/syntax/snnsnet.vim
index 6b24de5634..c73891e2b8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/snnsnet.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/snnsnet.vim
@@ -8,9 +8,8 @@
 " SNNS http://www-ra.informatik.uni-tuebingen.de/SNNS/
 " is a simulator for neural networks.
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -54,23 +53,16 @@ syn match	snnsnetNumbers	"\d" contained
 syn match	snnsnetComment	"#.*$" contains=snnsnetTodo
 syn keyword	snnsnetTodo	TODO XXX FIXME contained
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_snnsnet_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_snnsnet_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink snnsnetType		Type
-  HiLink snnsnetComment		Comment
-  HiLink snnsnetNumbers		Number
-  HiLink snnsnetSection		Statement
-  HiLink snnsnetTitle		Label
-  HiLink snnsnetTodo		Todo
+HiLink snnsnetType		Type
+HiLink snnsnetComment		Comment
+HiLink snnsnetNumbers		Number
+HiLink snnsnetSection		Statement
+HiLink snnsnetTitle		Label
+HiLink snnsnetTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "snnsnet"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/snnspat.vim b/runtime/syntax/snnspat.vim
index 5bfa48e624..ffc4caea71 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/snnspat.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/snnspat.vim
@@ -8,9 +8,8 @@
 " SNNS http://www-ra.informatik.uni-tuebingen.de/SNNS/
 " is a simulator for neural networks.
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -44,26 +43,19 @@ syn match	snnspatNumbers	"\d" contained
 syn match	snnspatComment	"#.*$" contains=snnspatTodo
 syn keyword	snnspatTodo	TODO XXX FIXME contained
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_snnspat_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_snnspat_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink snnspatGen		Statement
-  HiLink snnspatHeader		Error
-  HiLink snnspatNoHeader	Define
-  HiLink snnspatNumbers		Number
-  HiLink snnspatComment		Comment
-  HiLink snnspatError		Error
-  HiLink snnspatTodo		Todo
-  HiLink snnspatAccepted	NONE
-  HiLink snnspatBrac		NONE
+HiLink snnspatGen		Statement
+HiLink snnspatHeader		Error
+HiLink snnspatNoHeader	Define
+HiLink snnspatNumbers		Number
+HiLink snnspatComment		Comment
+HiLink snnspatError		Error
+HiLink snnspatTodo		Todo
+HiLink snnspatAccepted	NONE
+HiLink snnspatBrac		NONE
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "snnspat"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/snnsres.vim b/runtime/syntax/snnsres.vim
index 4c1d596009..2d2791696c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/snnsres.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/snnsres.vim
@@ -8,9 +8,8 @@
 " SNNS http://www-ra.informatik.uni-tuebingen.de/SNNS/
 " is a simulator for neural networks.
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -37,23 +36,16 @@ syn match	snnsresNumbers	"\d" contained
 syn match	snnsresComment	"#.*$" contains=snnsresTodo
 syn keyword	snnsresTodo	TODO XXX FIXME contained
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_snnsres_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_snnsres_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink snnsresGen		Statement
-  HiLink snnsresHeader		Statement
-  HiLink snnsresNoHeader	Define
-  HiLink snnsresNumbers		Number
-  HiLink snnsresComment		Comment
-  HiLink snnsresTodo		Todo
+HiLink snnsresGen		Statement
+HiLink snnsresHeader		Statement
+HiLink snnsresNoHeader	Define
+HiLink snnsresNumbers		Number
+HiLink snnsresComment		Comment
+HiLink snnsresTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "snnsres"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/snobol4.vim b/runtime/syntax/snobol4.vim
index 07eb63dec7..691acdec9a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/snobol4.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/snobol4.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 " - one character labels weren't displayed correctly.
 " - nonexistent Snobol4 keywords displayed as errors.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -79,47 +76,39 @@ syn match       snobol4ErrInBracket display contained "[){}]\|<%\|%>"
 " syn match       snobol4Comment      "^\#\!.*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_snobol4_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_snobol4_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink snobol4Constant        Constant
-  HiLink snobol4Label           Label
-  HiLink snobol4Goto            Repeat
-  HiLink snobol4Conditional     Conditional
-  HiLink snobol4Repeat          Repeat
-  HiLink snobol4Number          Number
-  HiLink snobol4Error           Error
-  HiLink snobol4Statement       PreProc
-  HiLink snobol4BogusStatement  snobol4Error
-  HiLink snobol4String          String
-  HiLink snobol4Comment         Comment
-  HiLink snobol4Special         Special
-  HiLink snobol4Todo            Todo
-  HiLink snobol4Keyword         Keyword
-  HiLink snobol4Function        Function
-  HiLink snobol4MathsOperator   Operator
-  HiLink snobol4ParenError      snobol4Error
-  HiLink snobol4ErrInParen      snobol4Error
-  HiLink snobol4ErrInBracket    snobol4Error
-  HiLink snobol4SysVar          Keyword
-  HiLink snobol4BogusSysVar     snobol4Error
-  if exists("snobol4_strict_mode")
-    HiLink snobol4ExtSysVar       WarningMsg
-    HiLink snobol4ExtKeyword      WarningMsg
-  else
-    HiLink snobol4ExtSysVar       snobol4SysVar
-    HiLink snobol4ExtKeyword      snobol4Keyword
-  endif
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+HiLink snobol4Constant        Constant
+HiLink snobol4Label           Label
+HiLink snobol4Goto            Repeat
+HiLink snobol4Conditional     Conditional
+HiLink snobol4Repeat          Repeat
+HiLink snobol4Number          Number
+HiLink snobol4Error           Error
+HiLink snobol4Statement       PreProc
+HiLink snobol4BogusStatement  snobol4Error
+HiLink snobol4String          String
+HiLink snobol4Comment         Comment
+HiLink snobol4Special         Special
+HiLink snobol4Todo            Todo
+HiLink snobol4Keyword         Keyword
+HiLink snobol4Function        Function
+HiLink snobol4MathsOperator   Operator
+HiLink snobol4ParenError      snobol4Error
+HiLink snobol4ErrInParen      snobol4Error
+HiLink snobol4ErrInBracket    snobol4Error
+HiLink snobol4SysVar          Keyword
+HiLink snobol4BogusSysVar     snobol4Error
+if exists("snobol4_strict_mode")
+HiLink snobol4ExtSysVar       WarningMsg
+HiLink snobol4ExtKeyword      WarningMsg
+else
+HiLink snobol4ExtSysVar       snobol4SysVar
+HiLink snobol4ExtKeyword      snobol4Keyword
 endif
 
+delcommand HiLink
+
 let b:current_syntax = "snobol4"
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/spec.vim b/runtime/syntax/spec.vim
index 9952bd2548..edfdf4365c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/spec.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/spec.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Former Maintainer:  Donovan Rebbechi elflord@panix.com (until March 2014)
 " Last Change: Sat Apr 9 15:30 2016 Filip Szymański
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -159,78 +156,70 @@ syn sync match shCaseEsacSync grouphere  shCaseEsac "\<case\>"
 syn sync match shCaseEsacSync groupthere shCaseEsac "\<esac\>"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_spec_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_spec_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  "main types color definitions
-  HiLink specSection			Structure
-  HiLink specSectionMacro		Macro
-  HiLink specWWWlink			PreProc
-  HiLink specOpts			Operator
+"main types color definitions
+HiLink specSection			Structure
+HiLink specSectionMacro		Macro
+HiLink specWWWlink			PreProc
+HiLink specOpts			Operator
 
-  "yes, it's ugly, but white is sooo cool
-  if &background == "dark"
-    hi def specGlobalMacro		ctermfg=white
-  else
-    HiLink specGlobalMacro		Identifier
-  endif
-
-  "sh colors
-  HiLink shComment			Comment
-  HiLink shIf				Statement
-  HiLink shOperator			Special
-  HiLink shQuote1			String
-  HiLink shQuote2			String
-  HiLink shQuoteDelim			Statement
-
-  "spec colors
-  HiLink specBlock			Function
-  HiLink specColon			Special
-  HiLink specCommand			Statement
-  HiLink specCommandOpts		specOpts
-  HiLink specCommandSpecial		Special
-  HiLink specComment			Comment
-  HiLink specConfigure			specCommand
-  HiLink specDate			String
-  HiLink specDescriptionOpts		specOpts
-  HiLink specEmail			specWWWlink
-  HiLink specError			Error
-  HiLink specFilesDirective		specSectionMacro
-  HiLink specFilesOpts			specOpts
-  HiLink specLicense			String
-  HiLink specMacroNameLocal		specGlobalMacro
-  HiLink specMacroNameOther		specGlobalMacro
-  HiLink specManpageFile		NONE
-  HiLink specMonth			specDate
-  HiLink specNoNumberHilite		NONE
-  HiLink specNumber			Number
-  HiLink specPackageOpts		specOpts
-  HiLink specPercent			Special
-  HiLink specSpecialChar		Special
-  HiLink specSpecialVariables		specGlobalMacro
-  HiLink specSpecialVariablesNames	specGlobalMacro
-  HiLink specTarCommand			specCommand
-  HiLink specURL			specWWWlink
-  HiLink specURLMacro			specWWWlink
-  HiLink specVariables			Identifier
-  HiLink specWeekday			specDate
-  HiLink specListedFilesBin		Statement
-  HiLink specListedFilesDoc		Statement
-  HiLink specListedFilesEtc		Statement
-  HiLink specListedFilesLib		Statement
-  HiLink specListedFilesPrefix		Statement
-  HiLink specListedFilesShare		Statement
-
-  delcommand HiLink
+"yes, it's ugly, but white is sooo cool
+if &background == "dark"
+hi def specGlobalMacro		ctermfg=white
+else
+HiLink specGlobalMacro		Identifier
 endif
 
+"sh colors
+HiLink shComment			Comment
+HiLink shIf				Statement
+HiLink shOperator			Special
+HiLink shQuote1			String
+HiLink shQuote2			String
+HiLink shQuoteDelim			Statement
+
+"spec colors
+HiLink specBlock			Function
+HiLink specColon			Special
+HiLink specCommand			Statement
+HiLink specCommandOpts		specOpts
+HiLink specCommandSpecial		Special
+HiLink specComment			Comment
+HiLink specConfigure			specCommand
+HiLink specDate			String
+HiLink specDescriptionOpts		specOpts
+HiLink specEmail			specWWWlink
+HiLink specError			Error
+HiLink specFilesDirective		specSectionMacro
+HiLink specFilesOpts			specOpts
+HiLink specLicense			String
+HiLink specMacroNameLocal		specGlobalMacro
+HiLink specMacroNameOther		specGlobalMacro
+HiLink specManpageFile		NONE
+HiLink specMonth			specDate
+HiLink specNoNumberHilite		NONE
+HiLink specNumber			Number
+HiLink specPackageOpts		specOpts
+HiLink specPercent			Special
+HiLink specSpecialChar		Special
+HiLink specSpecialVariables		specGlobalMacro
+HiLink specSpecialVariablesNames	specGlobalMacro
+HiLink specTarCommand			specCommand
+HiLink specURL			specWWWlink
+HiLink specURLMacro			specWWWlink
+HiLink specVariables			Identifier
+HiLink specWeekday			specDate
+HiLink specListedFilesBin		Statement
+HiLink specListedFilesDoc		Statement
+HiLink specListedFilesEtc		Statement
+HiLink specListedFilesLib		Statement
+HiLink specListedFilesPrefix		Statement
+HiLink specListedFilesShare		Statement
+
+delcommand HiLink
+
 let b:current_syntax = "spec"
 
 " vim: ts=8
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/specman.vim b/runtime/syntax/specman.vim
index 93fb4a86c6..4fa4c218d8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/specman.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/specman.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 "---------------------------------------------------------
 
 " Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -137,46 +134,38 @@ syn region  specmanString start=+"+  end=+"+
 syn sync lines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_specman_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_specman_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-	HiLink	specmanConditional	Conditional
-	HiLink	specmanConstraint	Conditional
-	HiLink	specmanRepeat		Repeat
-	HiLink	specmanString		String
-	HiLink	specmanComment		Comment
-	HiLink	specmanConstant		Macro
-	HiLink	specmanNumber		Number
-	HiLink	specmanCompare		Operator
-	HiLink	specmanOperator		Operator
-	HiLink	specmanLogical		Operator
-	HiLink	specmanStatement	Statement
-	HiLink	specmanHDL		SpecialChar
-	HiLink	specmanMethod		Function
-	HiLink	specmanInclude		Include
-	HiLink	specmanStructure	Structure
-	HiLink	specmanBoolean		Boolean
-	HiLink	specmanFSM		Label
-	HiLink	specmanSpecial		Special
-	HiLink	specmanType		Type
-	HiLink	specmanTemporal		Type
-	HiLink	specmanFile		Include
-	HiLink	specmanPreCondit	Include
-	HiLink	specmanDefine		Typedef
-	HiLink	specmanLabel		Label
-	HiLink	specmanPacking		keyword
-	HiLink	specmanTodo		Todo
-	HiLink	specmanParenError	Error
-	HiLink	specmanErrInParen	Error
-	HiLink	specmanErrInBracket	Error
-	delcommand	HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink	specmanConditional	Conditional
+HiLink	specmanConstraint	Conditional
+HiLink	specmanRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink	specmanString		String
+HiLink	specmanComment		Comment
+HiLink	specmanConstant		Macro
+HiLink	specmanNumber		Number
+HiLink	specmanCompare		Operator
+HiLink	specmanOperator		Operator
+HiLink	specmanLogical		Operator
+HiLink	specmanStatement	Statement
+HiLink	specmanHDL		SpecialChar
+HiLink	specmanMethod		Function
+HiLink	specmanInclude		Include
+HiLink	specmanStructure	Structure
+HiLink	specmanBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink	specmanFSM		Label
+HiLink	specmanSpecial		Special
+HiLink	specmanType		Type
+HiLink	specmanTemporal		Type
+HiLink	specmanFile		Include
+HiLink	specmanPreCondit	Include
+HiLink	specmanDefine		Typedef
+HiLink	specmanLabel		Label
+HiLink	specmanPacking		keyword
+HiLink	specmanTodo		Todo
+HiLink	specmanParenError	Error
+HiLink	specmanErrInParen	Error
+HiLink	specmanErrInBracket	Error
+delcommand	HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "specman"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/spice.vim b/runtime/syntax/spice.vim
index 200e1aaea4..57ff05f807 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/spice.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/spice.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 " This is based on sh.vim by Lennart Schultz
 " but greatly simplified
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -53,28 +50,20 @@ syn match spiceParenError ")"
 syn sync minlines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_spice_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_spice_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink spiceTodo		Todo
-  HiLink spiceWrapLineOperator	spiceOperator
-  HiLink spiceSinglequote	spiceExpr
-  HiLink spiceExpr		Function
-  HiLink spiceParenError	Error
-  HiLink spiceStatement		Statement
-  HiLink spiceNumber		Number
-  HiLink spiceComment		Comment
-  HiLink spiceOperator		Operator
+HiLink spiceTodo		Todo
+HiLink spiceWrapLineOperator	spiceOperator
+HiLink spiceSinglequote	spiceExpr
+HiLink spiceExpr		Function
+HiLink spiceParenError	Error
+HiLink spiceStatement		Statement
+HiLink spiceNumber		Number
+HiLink spiceComment		Comment
+HiLink spiceOperator		Operator
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "spice"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/splint.vim b/runtime/syntax/splint.vim
index dc09d8b9d6..14f84a8691 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/splint.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/splint.vim
@@ -15,20 +15,13 @@
 "		in your vimrc file or filetype.vim
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/c.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/c.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/c.vim
 
 
 " FIXME: uses and changes several clusters defined in c.vim
@@ -199,61 +192,53 @@ syn cluster	cPreProcGroup	add=@splintAllStuff
 syn cluster	cMultiGroup	add=@splintAllStuff
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_splint_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_splint_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink splintShortAnn		splintAnnotation
-  HiLink splintAnnotation	Comment
-  HiLink splintAnnError		splintError
-  HiLink splintAnnError2	splintError
-  HiLink splintFlag		SpecialComment
-  HiLink splintGlobalFlag	splintError
-  HiLink splintSpecialAnnot	splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintStateAnnot	splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintSpecTag		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintModifies		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintRequires		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintGlobals		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintGlobitem		Constant
-  HiLink splintGlobannot	splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintWarning		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintModitem		Constant
-  HiLink splintIter		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintConst		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintAlt		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintType		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintGlobalType	splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintMemMgm		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintAlias		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintExposure		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintDefState		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintGlobState	splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintNullState	splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintNullPred		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintExit		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintExec		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintSef		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintDecl		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintCase		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintBreak		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintUnreach		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintSpecFunc		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintErrSupp		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintTypeAcc		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintMacro		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintSpecType		splintAnnKey
-  HiLink splintAnnKey		Type
-  HiLink splintError		Error
+HiLink splintShortAnn		splintAnnotation
+HiLink splintAnnotation	Comment
+HiLink splintAnnError		splintError
+HiLink splintAnnError2	splintError
+HiLink splintFlag		SpecialComment
+HiLink splintGlobalFlag	splintError
+HiLink splintSpecialAnnot	splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintStateAnnot	splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintSpecTag		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintModifies		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintRequires		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintGlobals		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintGlobitem		Constant
+HiLink splintGlobannot	splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintWarning		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintModitem		Constant
+HiLink splintIter		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintConst		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintAlt		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintType		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintGlobalType	splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintMemMgm		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintAlias		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintExposure		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintDefState		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintGlobState	splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintNullState	splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintNullPred		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintExit		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintExec		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintSef		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintDecl		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintCase		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintBreak		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintUnreach		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintSpecFunc		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintErrSupp		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintTypeAcc		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintMacro		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintSpecType		splintAnnKey
+HiLink splintAnnKey		Type
+HiLink splintError		Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "splint"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/spup.vim b/runtime/syntax/spup.vim
index 8d7a9e525c..96e0f58a0e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/spup.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/spup.vim
@@ -17,11 +17,8 @@
 " If you encounter problems or have questions or suggestions, mail me
 
 " Remove old syntax stuff
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
@@ -206,74 +203,66 @@ syn sync match spupSyncTitle      grouphere spupTitle      "^TITLE"
 syn sync match spupSyncUnit       grouphere spupUnit       "^UNIT"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_spup_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_spup_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink spupCdi	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupConditions   spupSection
-    HiLink spupDeclare	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupEstimation   spupSection
-    HiLink spupExternal	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupFlowsheet    spupSection
-    HiLink spupFunction	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupGlobal	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupHomotopy	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupMacro	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupModel	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupOperation    spupSection
-    HiLink spupOptions	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupProcedure    spupSection
-    HiLink spupProfiles	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupReport	    spupSection
-    HiLink spupTitle	    spupConstant  " this is correct, truly ;)
-    HiLink spupUnit	    spupSection
+HiLink spupCdi	    spupSection
+HiLink spupConditions   spupSection
+HiLink spupDeclare	    spupSection
+HiLink spupEstimation   spupSection
+HiLink spupExternal	    spupSection
+HiLink spupFlowsheet    spupSection
+HiLink spupFunction	    spupSection
+HiLink spupGlobal	    spupSection
+HiLink spupHomotopy	    spupSection
+HiLink spupMacro	    spupSection
+HiLink spupModel	    spupSection
+HiLink spupOperation    spupSection
+HiLink spupOptions	    spupSection
+HiLink spupProcedure    spupSection
+HiLink spupProfiles	    spupSection
+HiLink spupReport	    spupSection
+HiLink spupTitle	    spupConstant  " this is correct, truly ;)
+HiLink spupUnit	    spupSection
 
-    HiLink spupCdiSubs	      spupSubs
-    HiLink spupConditionsSubs spupSubs
-    HiLink spupDeclareSubs    spupSubs
-    HiLink spupEstimationSubs spupSubs
-    HiLink spupExternalSubs   spupSubs
-    HiLink spupFlowsheetSubs  spupSubs
-    HiLink spupFunctionSubs   spupSubs
-    HiLink spupHomotopySubs   spupSubs
-    HiLink spupMacroSubs      spupSubs
-    HiLink spupModelSubs      spupSubs
-    HiLink spupOperationSubs  spupSubs
-    HiLink spupOptionsSubs    spupSubs
-    HiLink spupProcedureSubs  spupSubs
-    HiLink spupReportSubs     spupSubs
-    HiLink spupUnitSubs	      spupSubs
+HiLink spupCdiSubs	      spupSubs
+HiLink spupConditionsSubs spupSubs
+HiLink spupDeclareSubs    spupSubs
+HiLink spupEstimationSubs spupSubs
+HiLink spupExternalSubs   spupSubs
+HiLink spupFlowsheetSubs  spupSubs
+HiLink spupFunctionSubs   spupSubs
+HiLink spupHomotopySubs   spupSubs
+HiLink spupMacroSubs      spupSubs
+HiLink spupModelSubs      spupSubs
+HiLink spupOperationSubs  spupSubs
+HiLink spupOptionsSubs    spupSubs
+HiLink spupProcedureSubs  spupSubs
+HiLink spupReportSubs     spupSubs
+HiLink spupUnitSubs	      spupSubs
 
-    HiLink spupCode	       Normal
-    HiLink spupComment	       Comment
-    HiLink spupComment2	       spupComment
-    HiLink spupConditional     Statement
-    HiLink spupConstant	       Constant
-    HiLink spupError	       Error
-    HiLink spupHelp	       Normal
-    HiLink spupIdentifier      Identifier
-    HiLink spupNumber	       Constant
-    HiLink spupOperator	       Special
-    HiLink spupOpenBrace       spupError
-    HiLink spupSection	       Statement
-    HiLink spupSpecial	       spupTextprocGeneric
-    HiLink spupStreams	       Type
-    HiLink spupString	       Constant
-    HiLink spupSubs	       Statement
-    HiLink spupSymbol	       Special
-    HiLink spupTextprocError   Normal
-    HiLink spupTextprocGeneric PreProc
-    HiLink spupTypes	       Type
+HiLink spupCode	       Normal
+HiLink spupComment	       Comment
+HiLink spupComment2	       spupComment
+HiLink spupConditional     Statement
+HiLink spupConstant	       Constant
+HiLink spupError	       Error
+HiLink spupHelp	       Normal
+HiLink spupIdentifier      Identifier
+HiLink spupNumber	       Constant
+HiLink spupOperator	       Special
+HiLink spupOpenBrace       spupError
+HiLink spupSection	       Statement
+HiLink spupSpecial	       spupTextprocGeneric
+HiLink spupStreams	       Type
+HiLink spupString	       Constant
+HiLink spupSubs	       Statement
+HiLink spupSymbol	       Special
+HiLink spupTextprocError   Normal
+HiLink spupTextprocGeneric PreProc
+HiLink spupTypes	       Type
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "spup"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/spyce.vim b/runtime/syntax/spyce.vim
index e76cb1a1a2..169de199dc 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/spyce.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/spyce.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		     http://spyce.sourceforge.net
 " Last Change: 2009 Nov 11
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -20,13 +17,9 @@ endif
 " Read the HTML syntax to start with
 let b:did_indent = 1	     " don't perform HTML indentation!
 let html_no_rendering = 1    " do not render <b>,<i>, etc...
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-  syntax spell default  " added by Bram
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
+syntax spell default  " added by Bram
 
 " include python
 syn include @Python <sfile>:p:h/python.vim
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sql.vim b/runtime/syntax/sql.vim
index 7ba20f3446..6de3f4a5c0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sql.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sql.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 "              If the above exist, it will source the type specified.
 "              If none exist, it will source the default sql.vim file.
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sqlanywhere.vim b/runtime/syntax/sqlanywhere.vim
index 05b05c9f4f..e91a99de65 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sqlanywhere.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sqlanywhere.vim
@@ -12,11 +12,8 @@
 "              Updated to Adaptive Server Anywhere  9.0.1
 "              Updated to Adaptive Server Anywhere  9.0.0
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sqlforms.vim b/runtime/syntax/sqlforms.vim
index 055b2ae870..358349c463 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sqlforms.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sqlforms.vim
@@ -7,21 +7,14 @@
 "
 " TODO Find a new maintainer who knows SQL*Forms.
 
-    " For version 5.x, clear all syntax items.
-    " For version 6.x, quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
 syntax case ignore
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=a-z,A-Z,48-57,_,.,-,>
-else
-  set iskeyword=a-z,A-Z,48-57,_,.,-,>
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=a-z,A-Z,48-57,_,.,-,>
 
 
     " The SQL reserved words, defined as keywords.
@@ -138,30 +131,23 @@ syntax match sqlNumber  "-\=\<[0-9]*\.\=[0-9_]\>"
 
 syntax sync ccomment sqlComment
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sqlforms_syn_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_sqlforms_syn_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-    HiLink sqlComment Comment
-    HiLink sqlKeyword Statement
-    HiLink sqlNumber Number
-    HiLink sqlOperator Statement
-    HiLink sqlProcedure Statement
-    HiLink sqlFunction Statement
-    HiLink sqlSystem Identifier
-    HiLink sqlSpecial Special
-    HiLink sqlStatement Statement
-    HiLink sqlString String
-    HiLink sqlType Type
-    HiLink sqlCodes Identifier
-    HiLink sqlTriggers PreProc
+HiLink sqlComment Comment
+HiLink sqlKeyword Statement
+HiLink sqlNumber Number
+HiLink sqlOperator Statement
+HiLink sqlProcedure Statement
+HiLink sqlFunction Statement
+HiLink sqlSystem Identifier
+HiLink sqlSpecial Special
+HiLink sqlStatement Statement
+HiLink sqlString String
+HiLink sqlType Type
+HiLink sqlCodes Identifier
+HiLink sqlTriggers PreProc
 
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sqlforms"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sqlhana.vim b/runtime/syntax/sqlhana.vim
index 1410e99eb4..2e334bb56e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sqlhana.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sqlhana.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 
 " Description: Updated to SAP HANA SP4
 "
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sqlinformix.vim b/runtime/syntax/sqlinformix.vim
index b4d023600c..20a88acf4b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sqlinformix.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sqlinformix.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Dean Hill <dhill@hotmail.com>
 " Last Change:	2004 Aug 30
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -154,43 +151,35 @@ syn keyword sqlTodo TODO FIXME XXX DEBUG NOTE
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sql_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sql_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
 
-  " === Comment syntax group ===
-  HiLink sqlComment	Comment
+" === Comment syntax group ===
+HiLink sqlComment	Comment
 
-  " === Constant syntax group ===
-  HiLink sqlNumber	Number
-  HiLink sqlBoolean	Boolean
-  HiLink sqlString	String
+" === Constant syntax group ===
+HiLink sqlNumber	Number
+HiLink sqlBoolean	Boolean
+HiLink sqlString	String
 
-  " === Statment syntax group ===
-  HiLink sqlStatement	Statement
-  HiLink sqlConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink sqlRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink sqlKeyword		Keyword
-  HiLink sqlOperator	Operator
-  HiLink sqlException	Exception
+" === Statment syntax group ===
+HiLink sqlStatement	Statement
+HiLink sqlConditional	Conditional
+HiLink sqlRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink sqlKeyword		Keyword
+HiLink sqlOperator	Operator
+HiLink sqlException	Exception
 
-  " === Identifier syntax group ===
-  HiLink sqlFunction	Function
+" === Identifier syntax group ===
+HiLink sqlFunction	Function
 
-  " === Type syntax group ===
-  HiLink sqlType	Type
+" === Type syntax group ===
+HiLink sqlType	Type
 
-  " === Todo syntax group ===
-  HiLink sqlTodo	Todo
+" === Todo syntax group ===
+HiLink sqlTodo	Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sqlinformix"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sqlj.vim b/runtime/syntax/sqlj.vim
index 51398ef9c2..ea8d7ecb6c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sqlj.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sqlj.vim
@@ -8,10 +8,8 @@
 
 " au BufNewFile,BufRead *.sqlj so $VIM/syntax/sqlj.vim
 
-" Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
@@ -76,27 +74,20 @@ syn match sqlComment	"--.*"
 
 syn sync ccomment sqljComment
 
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sqlj_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sqlj_syn_inits = 1
-    command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command! -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
-  HiLink sqljComment	Comment
-  HiLink sqljKeyword	sqljSpecial
-  HiLink sqljNumber	Number
-  HiLink sqljOperator	sqljStatement
-  HiLink sqljSpecial	Special
-  HiLink sqljStatement	Statement
-  HiLink sqljString	String
-  HiLink sqljType	Type
-  HiLink sqljPre	PreProc
+" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later.
+HiLink sqljComment	Comment
+HiLink sqljKeyword	sqljSpecial
+HiLink sqljNumber	Number
+HiLink sqljOperator	sqljStatement
+HiLink sqljSpecial	Special
+HiLink sqljStatement	Statement
+HiLink sqljString	String
+HiLink sqljType	Type
+HiLink sqljPre	PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sqlj"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sqr.vim b/runtime/syntax/sqr.vim
index 8c9e7b49e4..7e73443571 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sqr.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sqr.vim
@@ -16,19 +16,12 @@
 "    http://lanzarotta.tripod.com/vim.html
 "    jefflanzarotta at yahoo dot com
 
-" For version 5.x, clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x, quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-,#,$,{,}
-else
-  set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-,#,$,{,}
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,-,#,$,{,}
 
 syn case ignore
 
@@ -220,75 +213,51 @@ syn match	  sqrNumber	/-\=\<\d*\.\=[0-9_]\>/
 syn keyword	sqrTodo		TODO FIXME XXX DEBUG NOTE ###
 syn match	sqrTodo		/???/
 
-if version >= 600
-  " See also the sqrString section above for handling of ! characters
-  " inside of strings.  (Those patterns override the ones below.)
-  syn match	sqrComment	/!\@<!!\([^!=].*\|$\)/ contains=sqrTodo
-  "				  the ! can't be preceded by another !,
-  "				  and must be followed by at least one
-  "				  character other than ! or =, or immediately
-  "				  by the end-of-line
-  syn match	sqrComment	/^!=.*/ contains=sqrTodo
-  syn match	sqrComment	/^!!.*/ contains=sqrTodo
-  syn match	sqrError	/^\s\+\zs!=.*/
-  "				  it's an error to have "!=" preceded by
-  "				  just whitespace on the line ("!="
-  "				  preceded by non-whitespace is treated
-  "				  as neither a comment nor an error, since
-  "				  it is often correct, i.e.
-  "				    if #count != 7
-  syn match	sqrError	/.\+\zs!!.*/
-  "				  a "!!" anywhere but at the beginning of
-  "				  the line is always an error
-else "For versions before 6.0, same idea as above but we are limited
-     "to simple patterns only.  Also, the sqrString patterns above
-     "don't seem to take precedence in v5 as they do in v6, so
-     "we split the last rule to ignore comments found inside of
-     "string literals.
-  syn match	sqrComment	/!\([^!=].*\|$\)/ contains=sqrTodo
-  syn match	sqrComment	/^!=.*/ contains=sqrTodo
-  syn match	sqrComment	/^!!.*/ contains=sqrTodo
-  syn match	sqrError	/^\s\+!=.*/
-  syn match	sqrError	/^[^'!]\+!!/
-  "				flag !! on lines that don't have ! or '
-  syn match	sqrError	/^\([^!']*'[^']*'[^!']*\)\+!!/
-  "				flag !! found after matched ' ' chars
-  "				(that aren't also commented)
-endif
+" See also the sqrString section above for handling of ! characters
+" inside of strings.  (Those patterns override the ones below.)
+syn match	sqrComment	/!\@<!!\([^!=].*\|$\)/ contains=sqrTodo
+"				  the ! can't be preceded by another !,
+"				  and must be followed by at least one
+"				  character other than ! or =, or immediately
+"				  by the end-of-line
+syn match	sqrComment	/^!=.*/ contains=sqrTodo
+syn match	sqrComment	/^!!.*/ contains=sqrTodo
+syn match	sqrError	/^\s\+\zs!=.*/
+"				  it's an error to have "!=" preceded by
+"				  just whitespace on the line ("!="
+"				  preceded by non-whitespace is treated
+"				  as neither a comment nor an error, since
+"				  it is often correct, i.e.
+"				    if #count != 7
+syn match	sqrError	/.\+\zs!!.*/
+"				  a "!!" anywhere but at the beginning of
+"				  the line is always an error
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier, only when not done already.
-" For version 5.8 and later, only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sqr_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sqr_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink sqrSection Statement
-  HiLink sqrParagraph Statement
-  HiLink sqrReserved Statement
-  HiLink sqrParameter Statement
-  HiLink sqrPreProc PreProc
-  HiLink sqrSubstVar PreProc
-  HiLink sqrCommand Statement
-  HiLink sqrParam Type
-  HiLink sqrFunction Special
+HiLink sqrSection Statement
+HiLink sqrParagraph Statement
+HiLink sqrReserved Statement
+HiLink sqrParameter Statement
+HiLink sqrPreProc PreProc
+HiLink sqrSubstVar PreProc
+HiLink sqrCommand Statement
+HiLink sqrParam Type
+HiLink sqrFunction Special
 
-  HiLink sqrString String
-  HiLink sqrStrOpen Todo
-  HiLink sqrNumber Number
-  HiLink sqrVariable Identifier
+HiLink sqrString String
+HiLink sqrStrOpen Todo
+HiLink sqrNumber Number
+HiLink sqrVariable Identifier
 
-  HiLink sqrComment Comment
-  HiLink sqrTodo Todo
-  HiLink sqrError Error
+HiLink sqrComment Comment
+HiLink sqrTodo Todo
+HiLink sqrError Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sqr"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/squid.vim b/runtime/syntax/squid.vim
index a8462bbdce..ee2b854ad4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/squid.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/squid.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 "               Michael Dotzler <Michael.Dotzler@leoni.com>
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -123,30 +120,22 @@ syn match	squidRegexOpt	contained "\(^\s*acl\s\+\S\+\s\+\S\+\(_regex\|_mime_type
 syn sync minlines=3
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_squid_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_squid_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink squidTodo	Todo
-  HiLink squidComment	Comment
-  HiLink squidTag	Special
-  HiLink squidConf	Keyword
-  HiLink squidOpt	Constant
-  HiLink squidAction	String
-  HiLink squidNumber	Number
-  HiLink squidIP	Number
-  HiLink squidAcl	Keyword
-  HiLink squidStr	String
-  HiLink squidRegexOpt	Special
+HiLink squidTodo	Todo
+HiLink squidComment	Comment
+HiLink squidTag	Special
+HiLink squidConf	Keyword
+HiLink squidOpt	Constant
+HiLink squidAction	String
+HiLink squidNumber	Number
+HiLink squidIP	Number
+HiLink squidAcl	Keyword
+HiLink squidStr	String
+HiLink squidRegexOpt	Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "squid"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/srec.vim b/runtime/syntax/srec.vim
index 19b6d97426..834cec7baa 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/srec.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/srec.vim
@@ -24,11 +24,8 @@
 " States in parentheses in the upper format description indicate that they
 " should not appear in a valid file.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -63,33 +60,25 @@ syn match srecDataUnexpected "[0-9a-fA-F]\{2}" contained nextgroup=srecDataUnexp
 syn match srecChecksum "[0-9a-fA-F]\{2}$" contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_srec_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_srec_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later
-  HiLink srecRecStart            srecRecType
-  HiLink srecRecTypeUnknown      srecRecType
-  HiLink srecRecType             WarningMsg
-  HiLink srecByteCount           Constant
-  hi def srecAddressFieldUnknown term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
-  HiLink srecNoAddress           DiffAdd
-  HiLink srecDataAddress         Comment
-  HiLink srecRecCount            srecNoAddress
-  HiLink srecStartAddress        srecDataAddress
-  hi def srecDataOdd             term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
-  hi def srecDataEven            term=NONE cterm=NONE gui=NONE
-  HiLink srecDataUnexpected      Error
-  HiLink srecChecksum            DiffChange
+" The default methods for highlighting. Can be overridden later
+HiLink srecRecStart            srecRecType
+HiLink srecRecTypeUnknown      srecRecType
+HiLink srecRecType             WarningMsg
+HiLink srecByteCount           Constant
+hi def srecAddressFieldUnknown term=italic cterm=italic gui=italic
+HiLink srecNoAddress           DiffAdd
+HiLink srecDataAddress         Comment
+HiLink srecRecCount            srecNoAddress
+HiLink srecStartAddress        srecDataAddress
+hi def srecDataOdd             term=bold cterm=bold gui=bold
+hi def srecDataEven            term=NONE cterm=NONE gui=NONE
+HiLink srecDataUnexpected      Error
+HiLink srecChecksum            DiffChange
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "srec"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sshconfig.vim b/runtime/syntax/sshconfig.vim
index 302d073f1e..051b2f9a8a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sshconfig.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sshconfig.vim
@@ -10,19 +10,12 @@
 "
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-  if exists("b:current_syntax")
-    finish
-  endif
-else
-  syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+  finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
-else
-  set iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
 
 
 " case on
@@ -233,40 +226,33 @@ syn keyword sshconfigKeyword VisualHostKey
 syn keyword sshconfigKeyword XAuthLocation
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sshconfig_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sshconfig_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink sshconfigComment        Comment
-  HiLink sshconfigTodo           Todo
-  HiLink sshconfigHostPort       sshconfigConstant
-  HiLink sshconfigNumber         sshconfigConstant
-  HiLink sshconfigConstant       Constant
-  HiLink sshconfigYesNo          sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigCipher         sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigCiphers	 sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigMAC            sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigHostKeyAlgo    sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigLogLevel       sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigSysLogFacility sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigAddressFamily  sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigIPQoS		 sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigKbdInteractive sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigKexAlgo	 sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigTunnel	 sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigPreferredAuth  sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigVar            sshconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshconfigEnum           Identifier
-  HiLink sshconfigSpecial        Special
-  HiLink sshconfigKeyword        Keyword
-  HiLink sshconfigHostSect       Type
-  HiLink sshconfigMatch          Type
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink sshconfigComment        Comment
+HiLink sshconfigTodo           Todo
+HiLink sshconfigHostPort       sshconfigConstant
+HiLink sshconfigNumber         sshconfigConstant
+HiLink sshconfigConstant       Constant
+HiLink sshconfigYesNo          sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigCipher         sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigCiphers	 sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigMAC            sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigHostKeyAlgo    sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigLogLevel       sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigSysLogFacility sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigAddressFamily  sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigIPQoS		 sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigKbdInteractive sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigKexAlgo	 sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigTunnel	 sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigPreferredAuth  sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigVar            sshconfigEnum
+HiLink sshconfigEnum           Identifier
+HiLink sshconfigSpecial        Special
+HiLink sshconfigKeyword        Keyword
+HiLink sshconfigHostSect       Type
+HiLink sshconfigMatch          Type
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sshconfig"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/sshdconfig.vim b/runtime/syntax/sshdconfig.vim
index 6b7b98d893..28b8acaf60 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/sshdconfig.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/sshdconfig.vim
@@ -11,19 +11,12 @@
 "
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-  if exists("b:current_syntax")
-    finish
-  endif
-else
-  syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+  finish
 endif
 
-if version >= 600
-  setlocal iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
-else
-  set iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=_,-,a-z,A-Z,48-57
 
 
 " case on
@@ -239,43 +232,36 @@ syn keyword sshdconfigKeyword XAuthLocation
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_sshdconfig_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_sshdconfig_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink sshdconfigComment              Comment
-  HiLink sshdconfigTodo                 Todo
-  HiLink sshdconfigHostPort             sshdconfigConstant
-  HiLink sshdconfigTime                 sshdconfigConstant
-  HiLink sshdconfigNumber               sshdconfigConstant
-  HiLink sshdconfigConstant             Constant
-  HiLink sshdconfigYesNo                sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigAddressFamily        sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigPrivilegeSeparation  sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigTcpForwarding        sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigRootLogin            sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigCiphers              sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigMAC                  sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigHostKeyAlgo          sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigRootLogin            sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigLogLevel             sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigSysLogFacility       sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigVar                  sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigCompression          sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigIPQoS                sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigKexAlgo              sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigTunnel               sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigSubsystem            sshdconfigEnum
-  HiLink sshdconfigEnum                 Function
-  HiLink sshdconfigSpecial              Special
-  HiLink sshdconfigKeyword              Keyword
-  HiLink sshdconfigMatch                Type
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink sshdconfigComment              Comment
+HiLink sshdconfigTodo                 Todo
+HiLink sshdconfigHostPort             sshdconfigConstant
+HiLink sshdconfigTime                 sshdconfigConstant
+HiLink sshdconfigNumber               sshdconfigConstant
+HiLink sshdconfigConstant             Constant
+HiLink sshdconfigYesNo                sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigAddressFamily        sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigPrivilegeSeparation  sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigTcpForwarding        sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigRootLogin            sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigCiphers              sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigMAC                  sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigHostKeyAlgo          sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigRootLogin            sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigLogLevel             sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigSysLogFacility       sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigVar                  sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigCompression          sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigIPQoS                sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigKexAlgo              sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigTunnel               sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigSubsystem            sshdconfigEnum
+HiLink sshdconfigEnum                 Function
+HiLink sshdconfigSpecial              Special
+HiLink sshdconfigKeyword              Keyword
+HiLink sshdconfigMatch                Type
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "sshdconfig"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/st.vim b/runtime/syntax/st.vim
index 47aa07de5d..1071caa7b1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/st.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/st.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Arndt Hesse <hesse@self.de>
 " Last Change:	2012 Feb 12 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -77,30 +74,22 @@ hi link stBlockError stError
 syn sync minlines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_st_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_st_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink stKeyword		Statement
-  HiLink stMethod		Statement
-  HiLink stComment		Comment
-  HiLink stCharacter		Constant
-  HiLink stString		Constant
-  HiLink stSymbol		Special
-  HiLink stNumber		Type
-  HiLink stFloat		Type
-  HiLink stError		Error
-  HiLink stLocalVariables	Identifier
-  HiLink stBlockVariable	Identifier
+HiLink stKeyword		Statement
+HiLink stMethod		Statement
+HiLink stComment		Comment
+HiLink stCharacter		Constant
+HiLink stString		Constant
+HiLink stSymbol		Special
+HiLink stNumber		Type
+HiLink stFloat		Type
+HiLink stError		Error
+HiLink stLocalVariables	Identifier
+HiLink stBlockVariable	Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "st"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/stata.vim b/runtime/syntax/stata.vim
index e1f19c84fc..29f5052ebe 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/stata.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/stata.vim
@@ -12,9 +12,8 @@
 " 26apr2006	fixed brace confusion in stataErrInParen and stataErrInBracket
 "		fixed paren/bracket confusion in stataFuncGroup
 
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/stp.vim b/runtime/syntax/stp.vim
index f4f0f3b615..fbd659682d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/stp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/stp.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 "	  URL: http://lanzarotta.tripod.com/vim/syntax/stp.vim.zip
 " Last Change: March 05, 2002
 
-" For version 5.x, clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x, quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -131,36 +128,28 @@ syn match  stpParenError ")"
 syn sync minlines=10 maxlines=100
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.x and earlier, only when not done already.
-" For version 5.8 and later, only when and item doesn't have highlighting yet.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_stp_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_stp_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when and item doesn't have highlighting yet.
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink stpConditional Conditional
-  HiLink stpComment Comment
-  HiLink stpKeyword Keyword
-  HiLink stpNumber Number
-  HiLink stpOperator Operator
-  HiLink stpSpecial Special
-  HiLink stpStatement Statement
-  HiLink stpString String
-  HiLink stpStringError Error
-  HiLink stpType Type
-  HiLink stpTodo Todo
-  HiLink stpFunction Function
-  HiLink stpGlobals Macro
-  HiLink stpParen Normal
-  HiLink stpParenError Error
-  HiLink stpSQLKeyword Function
-  HiLink stpRepeat Repeat
+HiLink stpConditional Conditional
+HiLink stpComment Comment
+HiLink stpKeyword Keyword
+HiLink stpNumber Number
+HiLink stpOperator Operator
+HiLink stpSpecial Special
+HiLink stpStatement Statement
+HiLink stpString String
+HiLink stpStringError Error
+HiLink stpType Type
+HiLink stpTodo Todo
+HiLink stpFunction Function
+HiLink stpGlobals Macro
+HiLink stpParen Normal
+HiLink stpParenError Error
+HiLink stpSQLKeyword Function
+HiLink stpRepeat Repeat
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "stp"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/strace.vim b/runtime/syntax/strace.vim
index 0f686fd808..45b70071a0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/strace.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/strace.vim
@@ -5,12 +5,9 @@
 " Last Change: 2015-01-16
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-	if exists("b:current_syntax")
-		finish
-	endif
-else
-	syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+	finish
 endif
 
 syn case match
@@ -35,31 +32,24 @@ syn match straceOperator "[-+=*/!%&|:,]"
 syn region straceComment start="/\*" end="\*/" oneline
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_strace_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_strace_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink straceComment Comment
-	HiLink straceVerbosed Comment
-	HiLink stracePID PreProc
-	HiLink straceNumber Number
-	HiLink straceNumberRHS Type
-	HiLink straceOtherRHS Type
-	HiLink straceString String
-	HiLink straceConstant Function
-	HiLink straceEquals Type
-	HiLink straceSysCallEmbed straceSysCall
-	HiLink straceSysCall Statement
-	HiLink straceParenthesis Statement
-	HiLink straceOperator Normal
-	HiLink straceSpecialChar Special
-	HiLink straceOtherPID PreProc
+HiLink straceComment Comment
+HiLink straceVerbosed Comment
+HiLink stracePID PreProc
+HiLink straceNumber Number
+HiLink straceNumberRHS Type
+HiLink straceOtherRHS Type
+HiLink straceString String
+HiLink straceConstant Function
+HiLink straceEquals Type
+HiLink straceSysCallEmbed straceSysCall
+HiLink straceSysCall Statement
+HiLink straceParenthesis Statement
+HiLink straceOperator Normal
+HiLink straceSpecialChar Special
+HiLink straceOtherPID PreProc
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "strace"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/svn.vim b/runtime/syntax/svn.vim
index 6536d6d11c..8b83753896 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/svn.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/svn.vim
@@ -15,11 +15,8 @@
 "   Myk Taylor
 "   Stefano Zacchiroli
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -42,28 +39,20 @@ syn sync clear
 syn sync match svnSync  grouphere svnRegion "^--.*--$"me=s-1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already.
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_svn_syn_inits")
-  if version <= 508
-    let did_svn_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet.
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink svnSummary     Keyword
-  HiLink svnBlank       Error
+HiLink svnSummary     Keyword
+HiLink svnBlank       Error
 
-  HiLink svnRegion      Comment
-  HiLink svnDelimiter   NonText
-  HiLink svnRemoved     Constant
-  HiLink svnAdded       Identifier
-  HiLink svnModified    Special
-  HiLink svnProperty    Special
-  HiLink svnRenamed     Special
+HiLink svnRegion      Comment
+HiLink svnDelimiter   NonText
+HiLink svnRemoved     Constant
+HiLink svnAdded       Identifier
+HiLink svnModified    Special
+HiLink svnProperty    Special
+HiLink svnRenamed     Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "svn"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/systemverilog.vim b/runtime/syntax/systemverilog.vim
index 5bf2935078..94074bd083 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/systemverilog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/systemverilog.vim
@@ -3,21 +3,14 @@
 " Maintainer:  kocha <kocha.lsifrontend@gmail.com>
 " Last Change: 12-Aug-2013. 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
 endif
 
 " Read in Verilog syntax files
-if version < 600
-    so <sfile>:p:h/verilog.vim
-else
-    runtime! syntax/verilog.vim
-    unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/verilog.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " IEEE1800-2005
 syn keyword systemverilogStatement   always_comb always_ff always_latch
@@ -76,25 +69,18 @@ syn keyword systemverilogStatement   implements
 syn keyword systemverilogStatement   interconnect soft nettype
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_systemverilog_syn_inits")
-   if version < 508
-      let did_systemverilog_syn_inits = 1
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-   " The default highlighting.
-   HiLink systemverilogStatement       Statement
-   HiLink systemverilogTypeDef         TypeDef
-   HiLink systemverilogConditional     Conditional
-   HiLink systemverilogRepeat          Repeat
-   HiLink systemverilogLabel           Label
-   HiLink systemverilogGlobal          Define
-   HiLink systemverilogNumber          Number
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink systemverilogStatement       Statement
+HiLink systemverilogTypeDef         TypeDef
+HiLink systemverilogConditional     Conditional
+HiLink systemverilogRepeat          Repeat
+HiLink systemverilogLabel           Label
+HiLink systemverilogGlobal          Define
+HiLink systemverilogNumber          Number
 
-   delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "systemverilog"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tads.vim b/runtime/syntax/tads.vim
index 260ff360f7..0f63bea2fe 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tads.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tads.vim
@@ -13,11 +13,8 @@
 " Actually, should cvtstr etc. be functions?! (change tadsFunction)
 " Make global etc. into Identifiers, since we don't have regular variables?
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -122,57 +119,49 @@ endif
 execute "syn sync maxlines=" . tads_sync_dist
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tads_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tads_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink tadsFunctionDef Function
-  HiLink tadsFunction  Structure
-  HiLink tadsClass     Structure
-  HiLink tadsClassDef  Identifier
-  HiLink tadsObjectDef Identifier
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink tadsFunctionDef Function
+HiLink tadsFunction  Structure
+HiLink tadsClass     Structure
+HiLink tadsClassDef  Identifier
+HiLink tadsObjectDef Identifier
 " no highlight for tadsEmbedded, so it prints as normal text w/in the string
 
-  HiLink tadsOperator	Operator
-  HiLink tadsStructure	Structure
-  HiLink tadsTodo	Todo
-  HiLink tadsLabel	Label
-  HiLink tadsConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink tadsRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink tadsException	Exception
-  HiLink tadsStatement	Statement
-  HiLink tadsStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink tadsKeyWord   Keyword
-  HiLink tadsSpecial	SpecialChar
-  HiLink tadsNumber	Number
-  HiLink tadsBoolean	Boolean
-  HiLink tadsDoubleString	tadsString
-  HiLink tadsSingleString	tadsString
+HiLink tadsOperator	Operator
+HiLink tadsStructure	Structure
+HiLink tadsTodo	Todo
+HiLink tadsLabel	Label
+HiLink tadsConditional	Conditional
+HiLink tadsRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink tadsException	Exception
+HiLink tadsStatement	Statement
+HiLink tadsStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink tadsKeyWord   Keyword
+HiLink tadsSpecial	SpecialChar
+HiLink tadsNumber	Number
+HiLink tadsBoolean	Boolean
+HiLink tadsDoubleString	tadsString
+HiLink tadsSingleString	tadsString
 
-  HiLink tadsOctalError	tadsError
-  HiLink tadsCommentError	tadsError
-  HiLink tadsBraceError	tadsError
-  HiLink tadsInBrace	tadsError
-  HiLink tadsError	Error
+HiLink tadsOctalError	tadsError
+HiLink tadsCommentError	tadsError
+HiLink tadsBraceError	tadsError
+HiLink tadsInBrace	tadsError
+HiLink tadsError	Error
 
-  HiLink tadsInclude	Include
-  HiLink tadsPreProc	PreProc
-  HiLink tadsDefine	Macro
-  HiLink tadsIncluded	tadsString
-  HiLink tadsPreCondit	PreCondit
+HiLink tadsInclude	Include
+HiLink tadsPreProc	PreProc
+HiLink tadsDefine	Macro
+HiLink tadsIncluded	tadsString
+HiLink tadsPreCondit	PreCondit
 
-  HiLink tadsString	String
-  HiLink tadsComment	Comment
+HiLink tadsString	String
+HiLink tadsComment	Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tads"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tags.vim b/runtime/syntax/tags.vim
index c86f17a618..a7044c04ec 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tags.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tags.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Version:		4
 " URL:	http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#SYNTAX_TAGS
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -22,25 +19,17 @@ syn match	tagComment	"^!_TAG_.*$"
 syn match	tagField	contained "[a-z]*:"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_drchip_tags_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_drchip_tags_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tagBaseFile	PreProc
-  HiLink tagComment	Comment
-  HiLink tagDelim	Delimiter
-  HiLink tagField	Number
-  HiLink tagName	Identifier
-  HiLink tagPath	PreProc
+HiLink tagBaseFile	PreProc
+HiLink tagComment	Comment
+HiLink tagDelim	Delimiter
+HiLink tagField	Number
+HiLink tagName	Identifier
+HiLink tagPath	PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tags"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tak.vim b/runtime/syntax/tak.vim
index 20186db143..b363ea33c6 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tak.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tak.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -32,11 +29,7 @@ syn case ignore
 let fortran_free_source=1
 
 " Load FORTRAN syntax file
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/fortran.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/fortran.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/fortran.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 
@@ -95,40 +88,32 @@ endif
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tak_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tak_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink takMacro		Macro
-  HiLink takOptions		Special
-  HiLink takRoutine		Type
-  HiLink takControl		Special
-  HiLink takSolids		Special
-  HiLink takSolidsArg		Statement
-  HiLink takIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink takMacro		Macro
+HiLink takOptions		Special
+HiLink takRoutine		Type
+HiLink takControl		Special
+HiLink takSolids		Special
+HiLink takSolidsArg		Statement
+HiLink takIdentifier		Identifier
 
-  HiLink takFortran		PreProc
-  HiLink takMotran		PreProc
+HiLink takFortran		PreProc
+HiLink takMotran		PreProc
 
-  HiLink takComment		Comment
-  HiLink takHeader		Typedef
-  HiLink takIncludeFile		Type
-  HiLink takInteger		Number
-  HiLink takFloat		Float
-  HiLink takScientific		Float
+HiLink takComment		Comment
+HiLink takHeader		Typedef
+HiLink takIncludeFile		Type
+HiLink takInteger		Number
+HiLink takFloat		Float
+HiLink takScientific		Float
 
-  HiLink takEndData		Macro
+HiLink takEndData		Macro
 
-  HiLink takTodo		Todo
+HiLink takTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tak"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/takcmp.vim b/runtime/syntax/takcmp.vim
index a94609b325..6faddc2642 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/takcmp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/takcmp.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -51,30 +48,22 @@ syn case ignore
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_takcmp_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_takcmp_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink takcmpTitle		   Type
-  HiLink takcmpUnit		   PreProc
+HiLink takcmpTitle		   Type
+HiLink takcmpUnit		   PreProc
 
-  HiLink takcmpLabel		   Statement
+HiLink takcmpLabel		   Statement
 
-  HiLink takcmpHeader		   takHeader
+HiLink takcmpHeader		   takHeader
 
-  HiLink takcmpDate		   Identifier
-  HiLink takcmpTime		   Identifier
-  HiLink takcmpInteger		   Number
-  HiLink takcmpFloat		   Special
+HiLink takcmpDate		   Identifier
+HiLink takcmpTime		   Identifier
+HiLink takcmpInteger		   Number
+HiLink takcmpFloat		   Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "takcmp"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/takout.vim b/runtime/syntax/takout.vim
index 774353942a..ed69ff0a21 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/takout.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/takout.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -24,11 +21,7 @@ syn case match
 
 
 " Load TAK syntax file
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/tak.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/tak.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/tak.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 
@@ -70,31 +63,23 @@ syn match takoutError	     "<<< Error >>>"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_takout_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_takout_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink takoutPos		   Statement
-  HiLink takoutNeg		   PreProc
-  HiLink takoutTitle		   Type
-  HiLink takoutFile		   takIncludeFile
-  HiLink takoutInteger		   takInteger
+HiLink takoutPos		   Statement
+HiLink takoutNeg		   PreProc
+HiLink takoutTitle		   Type
+HiLink takoutFile		   takIncludeFile
+HiLink takoutInteger		   takInteger
 
-  HiLink takoutSectionDelim	    Delimiter
-  HiLink takoutSectionTitle	   Exception
-  HiLink takoutHeaderDelim	   SpecialComment
-  HiLink takoutLabel		   Identifier
+HiLink takoutSectionDelim	    Delimiter
+HiLink takoutSectionTitle	   Exception
+HiLink takoutHeaderDelim	   SpecialComment
+HiLink takoutLabel		   Identifier
 
-  HiLink takoutError		   Error
+HiLink takoutError		   Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "takout"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/taskdata.vim b/runtime/syntax/taskdata.vim
index b37c70cc1f..63a8284adf 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/taskdata.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/taskdata.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Updated:	Wed Jul  8 19:46:20 EDT 2009
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 let s:keepcpo= &cpo
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/taskedit.vim b/runtime/syntax/taskedit.vim
index 170153c0ee..d33ca78650 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/taskedit.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/taskedit.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Updated:	Wed Jul  8 19:46:32 EDT 2009
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 let s:keepcpo= &cpo
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tasm.vim b/runtime/syntax/tasm.vim
index 2f8559610e..995e8b49d4 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tasm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tasm.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintaner: FooLman of United Force <foolman@bigfoot.com>
 " Last Change: 2012 Feb 03 by Thilo Six
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -95,32 +92,24 @@ syn match tasmOct "\<[0-7]\+O\>"
 syn match tasmBin "\<[01]\+B\>"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tasm_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tasm_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tasmString String
-  HiLink tasmDec Number
-  HiLink tasmHex Number
-  HiLink tasmOct Number
-  HiLink tasmBin Number
-  HiLink tasmInstruction Keyword
-  HiLink tasmCoprocInstr Keyword
-  HiLink tasmMMXInst	Keyword
-  HiLink tasmDirective PreProc
-  HiLink tasmRegister Identifier
-  HiLink tasmProctype PreProc
-  HiLink tasmComment Comment
-  HiLink tasmLabel Label
+HiLink tasmString String
+HiLink tasmDec Number
+HiLink tasmHex Number
+HiLink tasmOct Number
+HiLink tasmBin Number
+HiLink tasmInstruction Keyword
+HiLink tasmCoprocInstr Keyword
+HiLink tasmMMXInst	Keyword
+HiLink tasmDirective PreProc
+HiLink tasmRegister Identifier
+HiLink tasmProctype PreProc
+HiLink tasmComment Comment
+HiLink tasmLabel Label
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:curret_syntax = "tasm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tcl.vim b/runtime/syntax/tcl.vim
index 06629d077f..ff51c140e5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tcl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tcl.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 " Version:	1.14
 " URL:		http://bitbucket.org/taylor_venable/metasyntax/src/tip/Config/vim/syntax/tcl.vim
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -238,49 +235,41 @@ syn region  tclComment		start=/;\s*\#/hs=s+1 skip="\\$" end="$" contains=tclTodo
 "syn sync ccomment tclComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tcl_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tcl_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tcltkSwitch		Special
-  HiLink tclExpand		Special
-  HiLink tclLabel		Label
-  HiLink tclConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink tclRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink tclNumber		Number
-  HiLink tclError		Error
-  HiLink tclCommand		Statement
-  HiLink tclProcCommand		Type
-  HiLink tclString		String
-  HiLink tclComment		Comment
-  HiLink tclSpecial		Special
-  HiLink tclTodo		Todo
-  " Below here are the commands and their options.
-  HiLink tcltkCommandColor	Statement
-  HiLink tcltkWidgetColor	Structure
-  HiLink tclLineContinue	WarningMsg
+HiLink tcltkSwitch		Special
+HiLink tclExpand		Special
+HiLink tclLabel		Label
+HiLink tclConditional		Conditional
+HiLink tclRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink tclNumber		Number
+HiLink tclError		Error
+HiLink tclCommand		Statement
+HiLink tclProcCommand		Type
+HiLink tclString		String
+HiLink tclComment		Comment
+HiLink tclSpecial		Special
+HiLink tclTodo		Todo
+" Below here are the commands and their options.
+HiLink tcltkCommandColor	Statement
+HiLink tcltkWidgetColor	Structure
+HiLink tclLineContinue	WarningMsg
 if exists('g:tcl_warn_continuation')
-  HiLink tclNotLineContinue	ErrorMsg
+HiLink tclNotLineContinue	ErrorMsg
 endif
-  HiLink tcltkStringSwitch	Special
-  HiLink tcltkArraySwitch	Special
-  HiLink tcltkLsortSwitch	Special
-  HiLink tcltkPackSwitch	Special
-  HiLink tcltkPackConfSwitch	Special
-  HiLink tcltkMaths		Special
-  HiLink tcltkNamespaceSwitch	Special
-  HiLink tcltkWidgetSwitch	Special
-  HiLink tcltkPackConfColor	Identifier
-  HiLink tclVarRef		Identifier
+HiLink tcltkStringSwitch	Special
+HiLink tcltkArraySwitch	Special
+HiLink tcltkLsortSwitch	Special
+HiLink tcltkPackSwitch	Special
+HiLink tcltkPackConfSwitch	Special
+HiLink tcltkMaths		Special
+HiLink tcltkNamespaceSwitch	Special
+HiLink tcltkWidgetSwitch	Special
+HiLink tcltkPackConfColor	Identifier
+HiLink tclVarRef		Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tcl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tex.vim b/runtime/syntax/tex.vim
index c0982d84da..6cb27ea4ba 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tex.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tex.vim
@@ -40,11 +40,8 @@
 "      using conceal mode       :help tex-conceal
 
 " Version Clears: {{{1
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 let s:keepcpo= &cpo
@@ -54,14 +51,8 @@ scriptencoding utf-8
 " Define the default highlighting. {{{1
 " For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
 " For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tex_syntax_inits")
- let did_tex_syntax_inits = 1
- if version < 508
-  command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
- else
-  command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
- endif
-endif
+let did_tex_syntax_inits = 1
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
 " by default, enable all region-based highlighting
 let s:tex_fast= "bcmMprsSvV"
@@ -598,27 +589,17 @@ if s:tex_fast =~# 'v'
    syn region texZone		start="\\begin{[vV]erbatim}"		end="\\end{[vV]erbatim}\|%stopzone\>"	contains=@Spell
    " listings package:
    syn region texZone		start="\\begin{lstlisting}"		end="\\end{lstlisting}\|%stopzone\>"	contains=@Spell
-   if version < 600
-    syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=`"			end="`\|%stopzone\>"			contains=@Spell
-    syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=#"			end="#\|%stopzone\>"			contains=@Spell
+   if b:tex_stylish
+    syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=\z([^\ta-zA-Z@]\)"	end="\z1\|%stopzone\>"			contains=@Spell
    else
-     if b:tex_stylish
-      syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=\z([^\ta-zA-Z@]\)"	end="\z1\|%stopzone\>"			contains=@Spell
-     else
-      syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=\z([^\ta-zA-Z]\)"	end="\z1\|%stopzone\>"			contains=@Spell
-     endif
+    syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=\z([^\ta-zA-Z]\)"	end="\z1\|%stopzone\>"			contains=@Spell
    endif
   else
    syn region texZone		start="\\begin{[vV]erbatim}"		end="\\end{[vV]erbatim}\|%stopzone\>"
-   if version < 600
-    syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=`"			end="`\|%stopzone\>"
-    syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=#"			end="#\|%stopzone\>"
+   if b:tex_stylish
+     syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=\z([^\ta-zA-Z@]\)"	end="\z1\|%stopzone\>"
    else
-     if b:tex_stylish
-       syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=\z([^\ta-zA-Z@]\)"	end="\z1\|%stopzone\>"
-     else
-       syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=\z([^\ta-zA-Z]\)"	end="\z1\|%stopzone\>"
-     endif
+     syn region texZone		start="\\verb\*\=\z([^\ta-zA-Z]\)"	end="\z1\|%stopzone\>"
    endif
   endif
 endif
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/texinfo.vim b/runtime/syntax/texinfo.vim
index 134fc6763c..ec353bb140 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/texinfo.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/texinfo.vim
@@ -9,10 +9,8 @@
 " since @ can have special meanings, everything is 'match'-ed and 'region'-ed
 " (including @ in 'iskeyword' option has unexpected effects)
 
-" Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around, if needed
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -356,48 +354,39 @@ syn cluster texinfoReducedAll contains=texinfoSpecialChar,texinfoBrcPrmAtCmd
 "==============================================================================
 " highlighting
 
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_texinfo_syn_inits")
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  if version < 508
-    let did_texinfo_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+HiLink texinfoSpecialChar	Special
+HiLink texinfoHFSpecialChar	Special
 
-  HiLink texinfoSpecialChar	Special
-  HiLink texinfoHFSpecialChar	Special
-
-  HiLink texinfoError		Error
-  HiLink texinfoIdent		Identifier
-  HiLink texinfoAssignment	Identifier
-  HiLink texinfoSinglePar	Identifier
-  HiLink texinfoIndexPar	Identifier
-  HiLink texinfoSIPar		Identifier
-  HiLink texinfoDIEPar		Identifier
-  HiLink texinfoTexCmd		PreProc
+HiLink texinfoError		Error
+HiLink texinfoIdent		Identifier
+HiLink texinfoAssignment	Identifier
+HiLink texinfoSinglePar	Identifier
+HiLink texinfoIndexPar	Identifier
+HiLink texinfoSIPar		Identifier
+HiLink texinfoDIEPar		Identifier
+HiLink texinfoTexCmd		PreProc
 
 
-  HiLink texinfoAtCmd		Statement	"@-command
-  HiLink texinfoPrmAtCmd	String		"@-command in one line with unknown nr. of parameters
-						"is String because is found as a region and is 'matchgroup'-ed
-						"to texinfoAtCmd
-  HiLink texinfoBrcPrmAtCmd	String		"@-command with parameter(s) in braces ({})
-						"is String because is found as a region and is 'matchgroup'-ed to texinfoAtCmd
-  HiLink texinfoMltlnAtCmdFLine  texinfoAtCmd	"repeated embedded First lines in @-commands
-  HiLink texinfoMltlnAtCmd	String		"@-command in multiple lines
-						"is String because is found as a region and is 'matchgroup'-ed to texinfoAtCmd
-  HiLink texinfoMltln2AtCmd	PreProc		"@-command in multiple lines (same as texinfoMltlnAtCmd, just with other colors)
-  HiLink texinfoMltlnDMAtCmd	PreProc		"@-command in multiple lines (same as texinfoMltlnAtCmd, just with other colors; used for @detailmenu, which can be included in @menu)
-  HiLink texinfoMltlnNAtCmd	Normal		"@-command in multiple lines (same as texinfoMltlnAtCmd, just with other colors)
-  HiLink texinfoThisAtCmd	Statement	"@-command used in headers and footers (@this... series)
+HiLink texinfoAtCmd		Statement	"@-command
+HiLink texinfoPrmAtCmd	String		"@-command in one line with unknown nr. of parameters
+					      "is String because is found as a region and is 'matchgroup'-ed
+					      "to texinfoAtCmd
+HiLink texinfoBrcPrmAtCmd	String		"@-command with parameter(s) in braces ({})
+					      "is String because is found as a region and is 'matchgroup'-ed to texinfoAtCmd
+HiLink texinfoMltlnAtCmdFLine  texinfoAtCmd	"repeated embedded First lines in @-commands
+HiLink texinfoMltlnAtCmd	String		"@-command in multiple lines
+					      "is String because is found as a region and is 'matchgroup'-ed to texinfoAtCmd
+HiLink texinfoMltln2AtCmd	PreProc		"@-command in multiple lines (same as texinfoMltlnAtCmd, just with other colors)
+HiLink texinfoMltlnDMAtCmd	PreProc		"@-command in multiple lines (same as texinfoMltlnAtCmd, just with other colors; used for @detailmenu, which can be included in @menu)
+HiLink texinfoMltlnNAtCmd	Normal		"@-command in multiple lines (same as texinfoMltlnAtCmd, just with other colors)
+HiLink texinfoThisAtCmd	Statement	"@-command used in headers and footers (@this... series)
 
-  HiLink texinfoComment	Comment
+HiLink texinfoComment	Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "texinfo"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/texmf.vim b/runtime/syntax/texmf.vim
index 7b91168f08..4c3ccf8f45 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/texmf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/texmf.vim
@@ -6,12 +6,9 @@
 " URL: http://physics.muni.cz/~yeti/download/syntax/texmf.vim
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-  if exists("b:current_syntax")
-    finish
-  endif
-else
-  syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+  finish
 endif
 
 syn case match
@@ -45,42 +42,35 @@ syn region texmfBrace matchgroup=texmfBraceBrace start="{" end="}" contains=ALLB
 syn match texmfBraceError "}"
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_texmf_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_texmf_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink texmfComment Comment
-  HiLink texmfTodo Todo
+HiLink texmfComment Comment
+HiLink texmfTodo Todo
 
-  HiLink texmfPassedParameter texmfVariable
-  HiLink texmfVariable Identifier
+HiLink texmfPassedParameter texmfVariable
+HiLink texmfVariable Identifier
 
-  HiLink texmfNumber Number
-  HiLink texmfString String
+HiLink texmfNumber Number
+HiLink texmfString String
 
-  HiLink texmfLHSStart texmfLHS
-  HiLink texmfLHSVariable texmfLHS
-  HiLink texmfLHSDot texmfLHS
-  HiLink texmfLHS Type
+HiLink texmfLHSStart texmfLHS
+HiLink texmfLHSVariable texmfLHS
+HiLink texmfLHSDot texmfLHS
+HiLink texmfLHS Type
 
-  HiLink texmfEquals Normal
+HiLink texmfEquals Normal
 
-  HiLink texmfBraceBrace texmfDelimiter
-  HiLink texmfComma texmfDelimiter
-  HiLink texmfColons texmfDelimiter
-  HiLink texmfDelimiter Preproc
+HiLink texmfBraceBrace texmfDelimiter
+HiLink texmfComma texmfDelimiter
+HiLink texmfColons texmfDelimiter
+HiLink texmfDelimiter Preproc
 
-  HiLink texmfDoubleExclam Statement
-  HiLink texmfSpecial Special
+HiLink texmfDoubleExclam Statement
+HiLink texmfSpecial Special
 
-  HiLink texmfBraceError texmfError
-  HiLink texmfError Error
+HiLink texmfBraceError texmfError
+HiLink texmfError Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "texmf"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tf.vim b/runtime/syntax/tf.vim
index 2a9a999883..9de93dae23 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tf.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 
 " Remove any old syntax stuff hanging around
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -161,44 +158,36 @@ else
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tf_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tf_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tfComment		Comment
-  HiLink tfString		String
-  HiLink tfNumber		Number
-  HiLink tfFloat		Float
-  HiLink tfIdentifier		Identifier
-  HiLink tfVar			Identifier
-  HiLink tfWorld		Identifier
-  HiLink tfReadonly		Identifier
-  HiLink tfHook		Identifier
-  HiLink tfFunctions		Function
-  HiLink tfRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink tfConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink tfLabel		Label
-  HiLink tfStatement		Statement
-  HiLink tfType		Type
-  HiLink tfInclude		Include
-  HiLink tfDefine		Define
-  HiLink tfSpecialChar		SpecialChar
-  HiLink tfSpecialCharEsc	SpecialChar
-  HiLink tfParentError		Error
-  HiLink tfTodo		Todo
-  HiLink tfEndCommand		Delimiter
-  HiLink tfJoinLines		Delimiter
-  HiLink tfOperator		Operator
-  HiLink tfRelation		Operator
+HiLink tfComment		Comment
+HiLink tfString		String
+HiLink tfNumber		Number
+HiLink tfFloat		Float
+HiLink tfIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink tfVar			Identifier
+HiLink tfWorld		Identifier
+HiLink tfReadonly		Identifier
+HiLink tfHook		Identifier
+HiLink tfFunctions		Function
+HiLink tfRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink tfConditional		Conditional
+HiLink tfLabel		Label
+HiLink tfStatement		Statement
+HiLink tfType		Type
+HiLink tfInclude		Include
+HiLink tfDefine		Define
+HiLink tfSpecialChar		SpecialChar
+HiLink tfSpecialCharEsc	SpecialChar
+HiLink tfParentError		Error
+HiLink tfTodo		Todo
+HiLink tfEndCommand		Delimiter
+HiLink tfJoinLines		Delimiter
+HiLink tfOperator		Operator
+HiLink tfRelation		Operator
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tf"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tli.vim b/runtime/syntax/tli.vim
index 5685a6cbf2..e0e19ab98f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tli.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tli.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2001 May 10
 " Version:      1.0
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -44,27 +41,19 @@ syn match tliComment	"#.*"
 syn case match
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tli_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tli_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tliNumber	Number
-  HiLink tliString	String
-  HiLink tliComment	Comment
-  HiLink tliSpecial	SpecialChar
-  HiLink tliIdentifier Identifier
-  HiLink tliObject     Statement
-  HiLink tliField      Type
-  HiLink tliStyle      PreProc
+HiLink tliNumber	Number
+HiLink tliString	String
+HiLink tliComment	Comment
+HiLink tliSpecial	SpecialChar
+HiLink tliIdentifier Identifier
+HiLink tliObject     Statement
+HiLink tliField      Type
+HiLink tliStyle      PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tli"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tpp.vim b/runtime/syntax/tpp.vim
index 050a2ba78d..b1ea35f041 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tpp.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tpp.vim
@@ -17,11 +17,8 @@
 " the latest version of this file.
 " SPAM is _NOT_ welcome - be ready to be reported!
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -51,11 +48,7 @@ syn region tppAbstractOption start="^--\%(author\|title\|date\|footer\)" end="$"
 
 if main_syntax != 'sh'
   " shell command
-  if version < 600
-    syn include @tppShExec <sfile>:p:h/sh.vim
-  else
-    syn include @tppShExec syntax/sh.vim
-  endif
+  syn include @tppShExec syntax/sh.vim
   unlet b:current_syntax
 
   syn region shExec matchgroup=tppPageLocalOptionKey start='^--exec *' keepend end='$' contains=@tppShExec
@@ -65,35 +58,27 @@ endif
 syn match tppComment "^--##.*$"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tpp_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tpp_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tppAbstractOptionKey		Special
-  HiLink tppPageLocalOptionKey		Keyword
-  HiLink tppPageLocalSwitchKey		Keyword
-  HiLink tppColorOptionKey		Keyword
-  HiLink tppTimeOptionKey		Comment
-  HiLink tppNewPageOptionKey		PreProc
-  HiLink tppString			String
-  HiLink tppColor			String
-  HiLink tppTime			Number
-  HiLink tppComment			Comment
-  HiLink tppAbstractOption		Error
-  HiLink tppPageLocalOption		Error
-  HiLink tppPageLocalSwitch		Error
-  HiLink tppColorOption			Error
-  HiLink tppNewPageOption		Error
-  HiLink tppTimeOption			Error
+HiLink tppAbstractOptionKey		Special
+HiLink tppPageLocalOptionKey		Keyword
+HiLink tppPageLocalSwitchKey		Keyword
+HiLink tppColorOptionKey		Keyword
+HiLink tppTimeOptionKey		Comment
+HiLink tppNewPageOptionKey		PreProc
+HiLink tppString			String
+HiLink tppColor			String
+HiLink tppTime			Number
+HiLink tppComment			Comment
+HiLink tppAbstractOption		Error
+HiLink tppPageLocalOption		Error
+HiLink tppPageLocalSwitch		Error
+HiLink tppColorOption			Error
+HiLink tppNewPageOption		Error
+HiLink tppTimeOption			Error
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tpp"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/trasys.vim b/runtime/syntax/trasys.vim
index cfecc1c1fd..1e7f75c357 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/trasys.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/trasys.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -21,11 +18,7 @@ endif
 let fortran_free_source=1
 
 " Load FORTRAN syntax file
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/fortran.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/fortran.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/fortran.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 
@@ -136,40 +129,32 @@ syn sync match trasysSync grouphere trasysComment "^HEADER DOCUMENTATION DATA"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_trasys_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_trasys_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink trasysOptions		Special
-  HiLink trasysSurface		Special
-  HiLink trasysSurfaceType	Constant
-  HiLink trasysSurfaceArgs	Constant
-  HiLink trasysArgs		Constant
-  HiLink trasysOperations	Statement
-  HiLink trasysSubRoutine	Statement
-  HiLink trassyPrcsrSegm	PreProc
-  HiLink trasysIdentifier	Identifier
-  HiLink trasysComment		Comment
-  HiLink trasysHeader		Typedef
-  HiLink trasysMacro		Macro
-  HiLink trasysInteger		Number
-  HiLink trasysFloat		Float
-  HiLink trasysScientific	Float
+HiLink trasysOptions		Special
+HiLink trasysSurface		Special
+HiLink trasysSurfaceType	Constant
+HiLink trasysSurfaceArgs	Constant
+HiLink trasysArgs		Constant
+HiLink trasysOperations	Statement
+HiLink trasysSubRoutine	Statement
+HiLink trassyPrcsrSegm	PreProc
+HiLink trasysIdentifier	Identifier
+HiLink trasysComment		Comment
+HiLink trasysHeader		Typedef
+HiLink trasysMacro		Macro
+HiLink trasysInteger		Number
+HiLink trasysFloat		Float
+HiLink trasysScientific	Float
 
-  HiLink trasysBlank		SpecialChar
+HiLink trasysBlank		SpecialChar
 
-  HiLink trasysEndData		Macro
+HiLink trasysEndData		Macro
 
-  HiLink trasysTodo		Todo
+HiLink trasysTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "trasys"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/trustees.vim b/runtime/syntax/trustees.vim
index 4bc8874772..6c58d3983d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/trustees.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/trustees.vim
@@ -3,9 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:   Nima Talebi <nima@it.net.au>
 " Last Change:  2005-10-12
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tsalt.vim b/runtime/syntax/tsalt.vim
index 887d6b75e7..7bccde0e52 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tsalt.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tsalt.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2012 Feb 03 by Thilo Six
 " Version Info: @(#)tsalt.vim	1.5	97/12/16 08:11:15
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -171,46 +168,38 @@ syn sync ccomment tsaltComment
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tsalt_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tsalt_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink tsaltFunction		Statement
-	HiLink tsaltSysVar		Type
-	"HiLink tsaltLibFunc		UserDefFunc
-	"HiLink tsaltConstants		Type
-	"HiLink tsaltFuncArg		Type
-	"HiLink tsaltOperator		Operator
-	"HiLink tsaltLabel		Label
-	"HiLink tsaltUserLabel		Label
-	HiLink tsaltConditional		Conditional
-	HiLink tsaltRepeat		Repeat
-	HiLink tsaltCharacter		SpecialChar
-	HiLink tsaltSpecialCharacter	SpecialChar
-	HiLink tsaltNumber		Number
-	HiLink tsaltFloat		Float
-	HiLink tsaltCommentError	tsaltError
-	HiLink tsaltInclude		Include
-	HiLink tsaltPreProc		PreProc
-	HiLink tsaltDefine		Macro
-	HiLink tsaltIncluded		tsaltString
-	HiLink tsaltError		Error
-	HiLink tsaltStatement		Statement
-	HiLink tsaltPreCondit		PreCondit
-	HiLink tsaltType		Type
-	HiLink tsaltString		String
-	HiLink tsaltComment		Comment
-	HiLink tsaltSpecial		Special
-	HiLink tsaltTodo		Todo
+HiLink tsaltFunction		Statement
+HiLink tsaltSysVar		Type
+"HiLink tsaltLibFunc		UserDefFunc
+"HiLink tsaltConstants		Type
+"HiLink tsaltFuncArg		Type
+"HiLink tsaltOperator		Operator
+"HiLink tsaltLabel		Label
+"HiLink tsaltUserLabel		Label
+HiLink tsaltConditional		Conditional
+HiLink tsaltRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink tsaltCharacter		SpecialChar
+HiLink tsaltSpecialCharacter	SpecialChar
+HiLink tsaltNumber		Number
+HiLink tsaltFloat		Float
+HiLink tsaltCommentError	tsaltError
+HiLink tsaltInclude		Include
+HiLink tsaltPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink tsaltDefine		Macro
+HiLink tsaltIncluded		tsaltString
+HiLink tsaltError		Error
+HiLink tsaltStatement		Statement
+HiLink tsaltPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink tsaltType		Type
+HiLink tsaltString		String
+HiLink tsaltComment		Comment
+HiLink tsaltSpecial		Special
+HiLink tsaltTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tsalt"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tsscl.vim b/runtime/syntax/tsscl.vim
index 3fc18c6847..32ca8d4359 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tsscl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tsscl.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -179,37 +176,29 @@ syn match  tssclScientific  "-\=\<[0-9]*\.[0-9]*E[-+]\=[0-9]\+\>"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tsscl_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tsscl_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tssclCommand		Statement
-  HiLink tssclKeyword		Special
-  HiLink tssclEnd		Macro
-  HiLink tssclUnits		Special
+HiLink tssclCommand		Statement
+HiLink tssclKeyword		Special
+HiLink tssclEnd		Macro
+HiLink tssclUnits		Special
 
-  HiLink tssclComment		Comment
-  HiLink tssclDirective		Statement
-  HiLink tssclConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink tssclContChar		Macro
-  HiLink tssclQualifier		Typedef
-  HiLink tssclSymbol		Identifier
-  HiLink tssclSymbol2		Symbol
-  HiLink tssclString		String
-  HiLink tssclOper		Operator
+HiLink tssclComment		Comment
+HiLink tssclDirective		Statement
+HiLink tssclConditional	Conditional
+HiLink tssclContChar		Macro
+HiLink tssclQualifier		Typedef
+HiLink tssclSymbol		Identifier
+HiLink tssclSymbol2		Symbol
+HiLink tssclString		String
+HiLink tssclOper		Operator
 
-  HiLink tssclInteger		Number
-  HiLink tssclFloat		Number
-  HiLink tssclScientific	Number
+HiLink tssclInteger		Number
+HiLink tssclFloat		Number
+HiLink tssclScientific	Number
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tsscl"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tssgm.vim b/runtime/syntax/tssgm.vim
index b8182d48ea..c575347c60 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tssgm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tssgm.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -75,35 +72,27 @@ syn match  tssgmScientific  "-\=\<[0-9]*\.[0-9]*E[-+]\=[0-9]\+\>"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tssgm_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tssgm_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tssgmParam		Statement
-  HiLink tssgmSurfType		Type
-  HiLink tssgmArgs		Special
-  HiLink tssgmDelim		Typedef
-  HiLink tssgmEnd		Macro
-  HiLink tssgmUnits		Special
+HiLink tssgmParam		Statement
+HiLink tssgmSurfType		Type
+HiLink tssgmArgs		Special
+HiLink tssgmDelim		Typedef
+HiLink tssgmEnd		Macro
+HiLink tssgmUnits		Special
 
-  HiLink tssgmDefault		SpecialComment
-  HiLink tssgmComment		Statement
-  HiLink tssgmCommentString	Comment
-  HiLink tssgmSurfIdent		Identifier
-  HiLink tssgmString		Delimiter
+HiLink tssgmDefault		SpecialComment
+HiLink tssgmComment		Statement
+HiLink tssgmCommentString	Comment
+HiLink tssgmSurfIdent		Identifier
+HiLink tssgmString		Delimiter
 
-  HiLink tssgmInteger		Number
-  HiLink tssgmFloat		Float
-  HiLink tssgmScientific	Float
+HiLink tssgmInteger		Number
+HiLink tssgmFloat		Float
+HiLink tssgmScientific	Float
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tssgm"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/tssop.vim b/runtime/syntax/tssop.vim
index d416df054c..f8fadab330 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/tssop.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/tssop.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -56,30 +53,22 @@ syn match  tssopScientific  "-\=\<[0-9]*\.[0-9]*E[-+]\=[0-9]\+\>"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_tssop_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_tssop_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink tssopParam		Statement
-  HiLink tssopProp		Identifier
-  HiLink tssopArgs		Special
+HiLink tssopParam		Statement
+HiLink tssopProp		Identifier
+HiLink tssopArgs		Special
 
-  HiLink tssopComment		Statement
-  HiLink tssopCommentString	Comment
-  HiLink tssopPropName		Typedef
+HiLink tssopComment		Statement
+HiLink tssopCommentString	Comment
+HiLink tssopPropName		Typedef
 
-  HiLink tssopInteger		Number
-  HiLink tssopFloat		Float
-  HiLink tssopScientific	Float
+HiLink tssopInteger		Number
+HiLink tssopFloat		Float
+HiLink tssopScientific	Float
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "tssop"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/uc.vim b/runtime/syntax/uc.vim
index 7eab1d48ae..e128cbf82c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/uc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/uc.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 
 " Please check :help uc.vim for comments on some of the options available.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -110,64 +107,56 @@ endif
 exec "syn sync ccomment ucComment minlines=" . uc_minlines
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_uc_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_uc_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink ucFuncDef			Conditional
-  HiLink ucEventDef			Conditional
-  HiLink ucBraces			Function
-  HiLink ucBranch			Conditional
-  HiLink ucLabel			Label
-  HiLink ucUserLabel			Label
-  HiLink ucConditional			Conditional
-  HiLink ucRepeat			Repeat
-  HiLink ucStorageClass			StorageClass
-  HiLink ucMethodDecl			ucStorageClass
-  HiLink ucClassDecl			ucStorageClass
-  HiLink ucScopeDecl			ucStorageClass
-  HiLink ucBoolean			Boolean
-  HiLink ucSpecial			Special
-  HiLink ucSpecialError			Error
-  HiLink ucSpecialCharError		Error
-  HiLink ucString			String
-  HiLink ucCharacter			Character
-  HiLink ucSpecialChar			SpecialChar
-  HiLink ucNumber			Number
-  HiLink ucError			Error
-  HiLink ucStringError			Error
-  HiLink ucStatement			Statement
-  HiLink ucOperator			Operator
-  HiLink ucOverLoaded			Operator
-  HiLink ucComment			Comment
-  HiLink ucDocComment			Comment
-  HiLink ucLineComment			Comment
-  HiLink ucConstant			ucBoolean
-  HiLink ucTypedef			Typedef
-  HiLink ucTodo				Todo
+HiLink ucFuncDef			Conditional
+HiLink ucEventDef			Conditional
+HiLink ucBraces			Function
+HiLink ucBranch			Conditional
+HiLink ucLabel			Label
+HiLink ucUserLabel			Label
+HiLink ucConditional			Conditional
+HiLink ucRepeat			Repeat
+HiLink ucStorageClass			StorageClass
+HiLink ucMethodDecl			ucStorageClass
+HiLink ucClassDecl			ucStorageClass
+HiLink ucScopeDecl			ucStorageClass
+HiLink ucBoolean			Boolean
+HiLink ucSpecial			Special
+HiLink ucSpecialError			Error
+HiLink ucSpecialCharError		Error
+HiLink ucString			String
+HiLink ucCharacter			Character
+HiLink ucSpecialChar			SpecialChar
+HiLink ucNumber			Number
+HiLink ucError			Error
+HiLink ucStringError			Error
+HiLink ucStatement			Statement
+HiLink ucOperator			Operator
+HiLink ucOverLoaded			Operator
+HiLink ucComment			Comment
+HiLink ucDocComment			Comment
+HiLink ucLineComment			Comment
+HiLink ucConstant			ucBoolean
+HiLink ucTypedef			Typedef
+HiLink ucTodo				Todo
 
-  HiLink ucCommentTitle			SpecialComment
-  HiLink ucDocTags			Special
-  HiLink ucDocParam			Function
-  HiLink ucCommentStar			ucComment
+HiLink ucCommentTitle			SpecialComment
+HiLink ucDocTags			Special
+HiLink ucDocParam			Function
+HiLink ucCommentStar			ucComment
 
-  HiLink ucType				Type
-  HiLink ucExternal			Include
+HiLink ucType				Type
+HiLink ucExternal			Include
 
-  HiLink ucClassKeys			Conditional
-  HiLink ucClassLabel			Conditional
+HiLink ucClassKeys			Conditional
+HiLink ucClassLabel			Conditional
 
-  HiLink htmlComment			Special
-  HiLink htmlCommentPart		Special
+HiLink htmlComment			Special
+HiLink htmlCommentPart		Special
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "uc"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/uil.vim b/runtime/syntax/uil.vim
index b5421bcfdb..689b187a25 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/uil.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/uil.vim
@@ -4,10 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2013 May 23
 " URL:		http://gott-gehabt.de/800_wer_wir_sind/thomas/Homepage/Computer/vim/syntax/uil.vim
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -47,37 +45,29 @@ syn region uilDefine		start="^#\s*\(define\>\|undef\>\)" end="$" contains=uilLin
 syn sync ccomment uilComment
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_uil_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_uil_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default highlighting.
-  HiLink uilCharacter		uilString
-  HiLink uilSpecialCharacter	uilSpecial
-  HiLink uilNumber		uilString
-  HiLink uilCommentError	uilError
-  HiLink uilInclude		uilPreCondit
-  HiLink uilDefine		uilPreCondit
-  HiLink uilIncluded		uilString
-  HiLink uilSpecialFunction	uilRessource
-  HiLink uilRessource		Identifier
-  HiLink uilSpecialStatement	Keyword
-  HiLink uilError		Error
-  HiLink uilPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink uilType		Type
-  HiLink uilString		String
-  HiLink uilComment		Comment
-  HiLink uilSpecial		Special
-  HiLink uilTodo		Todo
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink uilCharacter		uilString
+HiLink uilSpecialCharacter	uilSpecial
+HiLink uilNumber		uilString
+HiLink uilCommentError	uilError
+HiLink uilInclude		uilPreCondit
+HiLink uilDefine		uilPreCondit
+HiLink uilIncluded		uilString
+HiLink uilSpecialFunction	uilRessource
+HiLink uilRessource		Identifier
+HiLink uilSpecialStatement	Keyword
+HiLink uilError		Error
+HiLink uilPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink uilType		Type
+HiLink uilString		String
+HiLink uilComment		Comment
+HiLink uilSpecial		Special
+HiLink uilTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 
 let b:current_syntax = "uil"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/upstart.vim b/runtime/syntax/upstart.vim
index b3f2b9e637..140cd174e0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/upstart.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/upstart.vim
@@ -10,9 +10,8 @@
 " It is inspired by the initng syntax file and includes sh.vim to do the
 " highlighting of script blocks.
 
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/vb.vim b/runtime/syntax/vb.vim
index 0c05b35fbd..24c94fd5ba 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/vb.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/vb.vim
@@ -11,11 +11,8 @@
 " VIM and VIM-DEV mailing lists.  It is by no means complete.
 " Send comments, suggestions and requests to the maintainer.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-	syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
@@ -338,40 +335,32 @@ syn match   vbTypeSpecifier  "[a-zA-Z0-9][\$%&!#]"ms=s+1
 syn match   vbTypeSpecifier  "#[a-zA-Z0-9]"me=e-1
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_vb_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_vb_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink vbBoolean		Boolean
-	HiLink vbLineNumber		Comment
-	HiLink vbComment		Comment
-	HiLink vbConditional	Conditional
-	HiLink vbConst			Constant
-	HiLink vbDefine			Constant
-	HiLink vbError			Error
-	HiLink vbFunction		Identifier
-	HiLink vbIdentifier		Identifier
-	HiLink vbNumber			Number
-	HiLink vbFloat			Float
-	HiLink vbMethods		PreProc
-	HiLink vbOperator		Operator
-	HiLink vbRepeat			Repeat
-	HiLink vbString			String
-	HiLink vbStatement		Statement
-	HiLink vbKeyword		Statement
-	HiLink vbEvents			Special
-	HiLink vbTodo			Todo
-	HiLink vbTypes			Type
-	HiLink vbTypeSpecifier	Type
+HiLink vbBoolean		Boolean
+HiLink vbLineNumber		Comment
+HiLink vbComment		Comment
+HiLink vbConditional	Conditional
+HiLink vbConst			Constant
+HiLink vbDefine			Constant
+HiLink vbError			Error
+HiLink vbFunction		Identifier
+HiLink vbIdentifier		Identifier
+HiLink vbNumber			Number
+HiLink vbFloat			Float
+HiLink vbMethods		PreProc
+HiLink vbOperator		Operator
+HiLink vbRepeat			Repeat
+HiLink vbString			String
+HiLink vbStatement		Statement
+HiLink vbKeyword		Statement
+HiLink vbEvents			Special
+HiLink vbTodo			Todo
+HiLink vbTypes			Type
+HiLink vbTypeSpecifier	Type
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "vb"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/vera.vim b/runtime/syntax/vera.vim
index b8e25cf346..7952c94290 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/vera.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/vera.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 
 " (change the value for guibg to any color you like)
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -287,74 +284,66 @@ endif
 exec "syn sync ccomment veraComment minlines=" . b:vera_minlines
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_vera_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_vera_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink veraClass		Identifier
-  HiLink veraObject		Identifier
-  HiLink veraUserMethod		Function
-  HiLink veraTask		Keyword
-  HiLink veraModifier		Tag
-  HiLink veraDeprecated		veraError
-  HiLink veraMethods		Statement
-  " HiLink veraInterface		Label
-  HiLink veraInterface		Function
+HiLink veraClass		Identifier
+HiLink veraObject		Identifier
+HiLink veraUserMethod		Function
+HiLink veraTask		Keyword
+HiLink veraModifier		Tag
+HiLink veraDeprecated		veraError
+HiLink veraMethods		Statement
+" HiLink veraInterface		Label
+HiLink veraInterface		Function
 
-  HiLink veraFormat		veraSpecial
-  HiLink veraCppString		veraString
-  HiLink veraCommentL		veraComment
-  HiLink veraCommentStart		veraComment
-  HiLink veraLabel			Label
-  HiLink veraUserLabel		Label
-  HiLink veraConditional		Conditional
-  HiLink veraRepeat		Repeat
-  HiLink veraCharacter		Character
-  HiLink veraSpecialCharacter	veraSpecial
-  HiLink veraNumber		Number
-  HiLink veraOctal			Number
-  HiLink veraOctalZero		PreProc	 " link this to Error if you want
-  HiLink veraFloat			Float
-  HiLink veraOctalError		veraError
-  HiLink veraParenError		veraError
-  HiLink veraErrInParen		veraError
-  HiLink veraErrInBracket		veraError
-  HiLink veraCommentError		veraError
-  HiLink veraCommentStartError	veraError
-  HiLink veraSpaceError         SpaceError
-  HiLink veraSpecialError		veraError
-  HiLink veraOperator		Operator
-  HiLink veraStructure		Structure
-  HiLink veraInclude		Include
-  HiLink veraPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink veraDefine		Macro
-  HiLink veraIncluded		veraString
-  HiLink veraError			Error
-  HiLink veraStatement		Statement
-  HiLink veraPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink veraType			Type
-  " HiLink veraConstant		Constant
-  HiLink veraConstant		Keyword
-  HiLink veraUserConstant		Constant
-  HiLink veraCommentString		veraString
-  HiLink veraComment2String	veraString
-  HiLink veraCommentSkip		veraComment
-  HiLink veraString		String
-  HiLink veraComment		Comment
-  HiLink veraSpecial		SpecialChar
-  HiLink veraTodo			Todo
-  HiLink veraCppSkip		veraCppOut
-  HiLink veraCppOut2		veraCppOut
-  HiLink veraCppOut		Comment
+HiLink veraFormat		veraSpecial
+HiLink veraCppString		veraString
+HiLink veraCommentL		veraComment
+HiLink veraCommentStart		veraComment
+HiLink veraLabel			Label
+HiLink veraUserLabel		Label
+HiLink veraConditional		Conditional
+HiLink veraRepeat		Repeat
+HiLink veraCharacter		Character
+HiLink veraSpecialCharacter	veraSpecial
+HiLink veraNumber		Number
+HiLink veraOctal			Number
+HiLink veraOctalZero		PreProc	 " link this to Error if you want
+HiLink veraFloat			Float
+HiLink veraOctalError		veraError
+HiLink veraParenError		veraError
+HiLink veraErrInParen		veraError
+HiLink veraErrInBracket		veraError
+HiLink veraCommentError		veraError
+HiLink veraCommentStartError	veraError
+HiLink veraSpaceError         SpaceError
+HiLink veraSpecialError		veraError
+HiLink veraOperator		Operator
+HiLink veraStructure		Structure
+HiLink veraInclude		Include
+HiLink veraPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink veraDefine		Macro
+HiLink veraIncluded		veraString
+HiLink veraError			Error
+HiLink veraStatement		Statement
+HiLink veraPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink veraType			Type
+" HiLink veraConstant		Constant
+HiLink veraConstant		Keyword
+HiLink veraUserConstant		Constant
+HiLink veraCommentString		veraString
+HiLink veraComment2String	veraString
+HiLink veraCommentSkip		veraComment
+HiLink veraString		String
+HiLink veraComment		Comment
+HiLink veraSpecial		SpecialChar
+HiLink veraTodo			Todo
+HiLink veraCppSkip		veraCppOut
+HiLink veraCppOut2		veraCppOut
+HiLink veraCppOut		Comment
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "vera"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/verilog.vim b/runtime/syntax/verilog.vim
index f4d21d0739..4b7570a13d 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/verilog.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/verilog.vim
@@ -3,22 +3,15 @@
 " Maintainer:	Mun Johl <Mun.Johl@emulex.com>
 " Last Update:  Wed Jul 20 16:04:19 PDT 2011
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
 " Set the local value of the 'iskeyword' option.
 " NOTE: '?' was added so that verilogNumber would be processed correctly when
 "       '?' is the last character of the number.
-if version >= 600
-   setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,63,_,192-255
-else
-   set iskeyword=@,48-57,63,_,192-255
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,63,_,192-255
 
 " A bunch of useful Verilog keywords
 
@@ -102,34 +95,26 @@ syn region  verilogDirective   start="//\s*\$s dc_script_begin\>" end="//\s*\$s
 syn sync minlines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_verilog_syn_inits")
-   if version < 508
-      let did_verilog_syn_inits = 1
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-   " The default highlighting.
-   HiLink verilogCharacter       Character
-   HiLink verilogConditional     Conditional
-   HiLink verilogRepeat          Repeat
-   HiLink verilogString          String
-   HiLink verilogTodo            Todo
-   HiLink verilogComment         Comment
-   HiLink verilogConstant        Constant
-   HiLink verilogLabel           Label
-   HiLink verilogNumber          Number
-   HiLink verilogOperator        Special
-   HiLink verilogStatement       Statement
-   HiLink verilogGlobal          Define
-   HiLink verilogDirective       SpecialComment
-   HiLink verilogEscape		 Special
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink verilogCharacter       Character
+HiLink verilogConditional     Conditional
+HiLink verilogRepeat          Repeat
+HiLink verilogString          String
+HiLink verilogTodo            Todo
+HiLink verilogComment         Comment
+HiLink verilogConstant        Constant
+HiLink verilogLabel           Label
+HiLink verilogNumber          Number
+HiLink verilogOperator        Special
+HiLink verilogStatement       Statement
+HiLink verilogGlobal          Define
+HiLink verilogDirective       SpecialComment
+HiLink verilogEscape		 Special
 
-   delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "verilog"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/verilogams.vim b/runtime/syntax/verilogams.vim
index d16e4bffb4..3e236099f5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/verilogams.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/verilogams.vim
@@ -9,20 +9,13 @@
 "              Minor reserved keyword updates.
 " Last Update: Thursday September 15 15:36:03 CST 2005 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-   syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
    finish
 endif
 
 " Set the local value of the 'iskeyword' option
-if version >= 600
-   setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,192-255
-else
-   set iskeyword=@,48-57,_,192-255
-endif
+setlocal iskeyword=@,48-57,_,192-255
 
 " Annex B.1 'All keywords'
 syn keyword verilogamsStatement above abs absdelay acos acosh ac_stim
@@ -113,36 +106,28 @@ syn match   verilogamsEscape "\\\o\o\=\o\=" contained
 syn sync lines=50
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_verilogams_syn_inits")
-   if version < 508
-      let did_verilogams_syn_inits = 1
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-      command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-   " The default highlighting.
-   HiLink verilogamsCharacter    Character
-   HiLink verilogamsConditional  Conditional
-   HiLink verilogamsRepeat       Repeat
-   HiLink verilogamsString       String
-   HiLink verilogamsTodo         Todo
-   HiLink verilogamsComment      Comment
-   HiLink verilogamsConstant     Constant
-   HiLink verilogamsLabel        Label
-   HiLink verilogamsNumber       Number
-   HiLink verilogamsOperator     Special
-   HiLink verilogamsStatement    Statement
-   HiLink verilogamsGlobal       Define
-   HiLink verilogamsDirective    SpecialComment
-   HiLink verilogamsEscape       Special
-   HiLink verilogamsType         Type
-   HiLink verilogamsSystask      Function
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink verilogamsCharacter    Character
+HiLink verilogamsConditional  Conditional
+HiLink verilogamsRepeat       Repeat
+HiLink verilogamsString       String
+HiLink verilogamsTodo         Todo
+HiLink verilogamsComment      Comment
+HiLink verilogamsConstant     Constant
+HiLink verilogamsLabel        Label
+HiLink verilogamsNumber       Number
+HiLink verilogamsOperator     Special
+HiLink verilogamsStatement    Statement
+HiLink verilogamsGlobal       Define
+HiLink verilogamsDirective    SpecialComment
+HiLink verilogamsEscape       Special
+HiLink verilogamsType         Type
+HiLink verilogamsSystask      Function
 
-   delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "verilogams"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/vhdl.vim b/runtime/syntax/vhdl.vim
index 32503823ee..4a54216083 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/vhdl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/vhdl.vim
@@ -5,9 +5,8 @@
 " Credits:		Stephan Hegel <stephan.hegel@snc.siemens.com.cn>
 " Last Changed:		2016 Mar 05 by Daniel Kho
 
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -234,35 +233,27 @@ syn match	vhdlPreProc	"\(^\|\s\)--\s*synopsys\s\+translate_\(on\|off\)\s*"
 syn sync	minlines=600
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_vhdl_syntax_inits")
-    if version < 508
-	let did_vhdl_syntax_inits = 1
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-    else
-	command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-    endif
-    
-    HiLink	vhdlSpecial	Special
-    HiLink	vhdlStatement   Statement
-    HiLink	vhdlCharacter   Character
-    HiLink	vhdlString	String
-    HiLink	vhdlVector	Number
-    HiLink	vhdlBoolean	Number
-    HiLink	vhdlTodo	Todo
-    HiLink	vhdlFixme	Fixme
-    HiLink	vhdlComment	Comment
-    HiLink	vhdlNumber	Number
-    HiLink	vhdlTime	Number
-    HiLink	vhdlType	Type
-    HiLink	vhdlOperator    Operator
-    HiLink	vhdlError	Error
-    HiLink	vhdlAttribute   Special
-    HiLink	vhdlPreProc	PreProc
-    
-    delcommand HiLink
-endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+
+HiLink	vhdlSpecial	Special
+HiLink	vhdlStatement   Statement
+HiLink	vhdlCharacter   Character
+HiLink	vhdlString	String
+HiLink	vhdlVector	Number
+HiLink	vhdlBoolean	Number
+HiLink	vhdlTodo	Todo
+HiLink	vhdlFixme	Fixme
+HiLink	vhdlComment	Comment
+HiLink	vhdlNumber	Number
+HiLink	vhdlTime	Number
+HiLink	vhdlType	Type
+HiLink	vhdlOperator    Operator
+HiLink	vhdlError	Error
+HiLink	vhdlAttribute   Special
+HiLink	vhdlPreProc	PreProc
+
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "vhdl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/virata.vim b/runtime/syntax/virata.vim
index e597b8e31c..3023f13a91 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/virata.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/virata.vim
@@ -13,10 +13,8 @@
 
 
 " Setup Syntax:
-if version < 600
-  "  Clear old syntax settings
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 "  Virata syntax is case insensitive (mostly)
@@ -156,63 +154,55 @@ syn sync minlines=50		"for multiple region nesting
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later  : only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_virata_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_virata_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " Sub Links:
-  HiLink virataDefSubstError	virataPreProcError
-  HiLink virataDefSubst		virataPreProc
-  HiLink virataInAlter		virataOperator
-  HiLink virataInExec		virataOperator
-  HiLink virataInExport		virataOperator
-  HiLink virataInImport		virataOperator
-  HiLink virataInInstance	virataOperator
-  HiLink virataInMake		virataOperator
-  HiLink virataInModule		virataOperator
-  HiLink virataInProcess	virataOperator
-  HiLink virataInMacAddr	virataHexNumber
+" Sub Links:
+HiLink virataDefSubstError	virataPreProcError
+HiLink virataDefSubst		virataPreProc
+HiLink virataInAlter		virataOperator
+HiLink virataInExec		virataOperator
+HiLink virataInExport		virataOperator
+HiLink virataInImport		virataOperator
+HiLink virataInInstance	virataOperator
+HiLink virataInMake		virataOperator
+HiLink virataInModule		virataOperator
+HiLink virataInProcess	virataOperator
+HiLink virataInMacAddr	virataHexNumber
 
-  " Comment Group:
-  HiLink virataComment		Comment
-  HiLink virataSpclComment	SpecialComment
-  HiLink virataInCommentTodo	Todo
+" Comment Group:
+HiLink virataComment		Comment
+HiLink virataSpclComment	SpecialComment
+HiLink virataInCommentTodo	Todo
 
-  " Constant Group:
-  HiLink virataString		String
-  HiLink virataStringError	Error
-  HiLink virataCharacter	Character
-  HiLink virataSpclChar		Special
-  HiLink virataDecNumber	Number
-  HiLink virataHexNumber	Number
-  HiLink virataSizeNumber	Number
-  HiLink virataNumberError	Error
+" Constant Group:
+HiLink virataString		String
+HiLink virataStringError	Error
+HiLink virataCharacter	Character
+HiLink virataSpclChar		Special
+HiLink virataDecNumber	Number
+HiLink virataHexNumber	Number
+HiLink virataSizeNumber	Number
+HiLink virataNumberError	Error
 
-  " Identifier Group:
-  HiLink virataIdentError	Error
+" Identifier Group:
+HiLink virataIdentError	Error
 
-  " PreProc Group:
-  HiLink virataPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink virataDefine		Define
-  HiLink virataInclude		Include
-  HiLink virataPreCondit	PreCondit
-  HiLink virataPreProcError	Error
-  HiLink virataPreProcWarn	Todo
+" PreProc Group:
+HiLink virataPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink virataDefine		Define
+HiLink virataInclude		Include
+HiLink virataPreCondit	PreCondit
+HiLink virataPreProcError	Error
+HiLink virataPreProcWarn	Todo
 
-  " Directive Group:
-  HiLink virataStatement	Statement
-  HiLink virataCfgStatement	Statement
-  HiLink virataOperator		Operator
-  HiLink virataDirective	Keyword
+" Directive Group:
+HiLink virataStatement	Statement
+HiLink virataCfgStatement	Statement
+HiLink virataOperator		Operator
+HiLink virataDirective	Keyword
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "virata"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/vmasm.vim b/runtime/syntax/vmasm.vim
index 85d0441258..a4b71229ec 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/vmasm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/vmasm.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " This is incomplete. Feel free to contribute...
 "
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -196,55 +193,47 @@ syn match vmasmDirective	"\.\(signed_\)\=word\>"
 syn case match
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_macro_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_macro_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  " Comment Constant Error Identifier PreProc Special Statement Todo Type
-  "
-  " Constant		Boolean Character Number String
-  " Identifier		Function
-  " PreProc		Define Include Macro PreCondit
-  " Special		Debug Delimiter SpecialChar SpecialComment Tag
-  " Statement		Conditional Exception Keyword Label Operator Repeat
-  " Type		StorageClass Structure Typedef
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+" Comment Constant Error Identifier PreProc Special Statement Todo Type
+"
+" Constant		Boolean Character Number String
+" Identifier		Function
+" PreProc		Define Include Macro PreCondit
+" Special		Debug Delimiter SpecialChar SpecialComment Tag
+" Statement		Conditional Exception Keyword Label Operator Repeat
+" Type		StorageClass Structure Typedef
 
-  HiLink vmasmComment		Comment
-  HiLink vmasmTodo		Todo
+HiLink vmasmComment		Comment
+HiLink vmasmTodo		Todo
 
-  HiLink vmasmhexNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink vmasmoctNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink vmasmbinNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink vmasmdecNumber		Number		" Constant
-  HiLink vmasmfloatNumber	Number		" Constant
+HiLink vmasmhexNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink vmasmoctNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink vmasmbinNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink vmasmdecNumber		Number		" Constant
+HiLink vmasmfloatNumber	Number		" Constant
 
 "  HiLink vmasmString		String		" Constant
 
-  HiLink vmasmReg		Identifier
-  HiLink vmasmOperator		Identifier
+HiLink vmasmReg		Identifier
+HiLink vmasmOperator		Identifier
 
-  HiLink vmasmInclude		Include		" PreProc
-  HiLink vmasmMacro		Macro		" PreProc
-  " HiLink vmasmMacroParam	Keyword		" Statement
+HiLink vmasmInclude		Include		" PreProc
+HiLink vmasmMacro		Macro		" PreProc
+" HiLink vmasmMacroParam	Keyword		" Statement
 
-  HiLink vmasmDirective		Special
-  HiLink vmasmPreCond		Special
+HiLink vmasmDirective		Special
+HiLink vmasmPreCond		Special
 
 
-  HiLink vmasmOpcode		Statement
-  HiLink vmasmCond		Conditional	" Statement
-  HiLink vmasmRepeat		Repeat		" Statement
+HiLink vmasmOpcode		Statement
+HiLink vmasmCond		Conditional	" Statement
+HiLink vmasmRepeat		Repeat		" Statement
 
-  HiLink vmasmLabel		Type
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink vmasmLabel		Type
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "vmasm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/vrml.vim b/runtime/syntax/vrml.vim
index 44814aad86..530becb55a 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/vrml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/vrml.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Former Maintainer:    Gregory Seidman <gsslist+vim@anthropohedron.net>
 " Last change:	   2006 May 03
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -168,11 +165,9 @@ syn keyword VRMLProtos	       contained EXTERNPROTO PROTO IS
 
 syn keyword VRMLRoutes	       contained ROUTE TO
 
-if version >= 502
 "containment!
-  syn include @jscript $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/javascript.vim
-  syn region VRMLjScriptString contained start=+"\(\(javascript\)\|\(vrmlscript\)\|\(ecmascript\)\):+ms=e+1 skip=+\\\\\|\\"+ end=+"+me=e-1 contains=@jscript
-endif
+syn include @jscript $VIMRUNTIME/syntax/javascript.vim
+syn region VRMLjScriptString contained start=+"\(\(javascript\)\|\(vrmlscript\)\|\(ecmascript\)\):+ms=e+1 skip=+\\\\\|\\"+ end=+"+me=e-1 contains=@jscript
 
 " match definitions.
 syn match   VRMLSpecial		  contained "\\[0-9][0-9][0-9]\|\\."
@@ -192,47 +187,37 @@ syn region  VRMLInstName	  start="USE\>"hs=e+1 skip="USE\(,\|\s\)*" end="[A-Za-z
 syn keyword VRMLInstances      contained DEF USE
 syn sync minlines=1
 
-if version >= 600
 "FOLDS!
-  syn sync fromstart
-  "setlocal foldmethod=syntax
-  syn region braceFold start="{" end="}" transparent fold contains=TOP
-  syn region bracketFold start="\[" end="]" transparent fold contains=TOP
-  syn region VRMLString start=+"+ skip=+\\\\\|\\"+ end=+"+ fold contains=VRMLSpecial,VRMLjScriptString
-endif
+syn sync fromstart
+"setlocal foldmethod=syntax
+syn region braceFold start="{" end="}" transparent fold contains=TOP
+syn region bracketFold start="\[" end="]" transparent fold contains=TOP
+syn region VRMLString start=+"+ skip=+\\\\\|\\"+ end=+"+ fold contains=VRMLSpecial,VRMLjScriptString
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_VRML_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_VRML_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink VRMLCharacter  VRMLString
-  HiLink VRMLSpecialCharacter VRMLSpecial
-  HiLink VRMLNumber     VRMLString
-  HiLink VRMLValues     VRMLString
-  HiLink VRMLString     String
-  HiLink VRMLSpecial    Special
-  HiLink VRMLComment    Comment
-  HiLink VRMLNodes      Statement
-  HiLink VRMLFields     Type
-  HiLink VRMLEvents     Type
-  HiLink VRMLfTypes     LineNr
+HiLink VRMLCharacter  VRMLString
+HiLink VRMLSpecialCharacter VRMLSpecial
+HiLink VRMLNumber     VRMLString
+HiLink VRMLValues     VRMLString
+HiLink VRMLString     String
+HiLink VRMLSpecial    Special
+HiLink VRMLComment    Comment
+HiLink VRMLNodes      Statement
+HiLink VRMLFields     Type
+HiLink VRMLEvents     Type
+HiLink VRMLfTypes     LineNr
 "  hi     VRMLfTypes     ctermfg=6 guifg=Brown
-  HiLink VRMLInstances  PreCondit
-  HiLink VRMLRoutes     PreCondit
-  HiLink VRMLProtos     PreProc
-  HiLink VRMLRouteNode  Identifier
-  HiLink VRMLInstName   Identifier
-  HiLink VRMLTypes      Identifier
+HiLink VRMLInstances  PreCondit
+HiLink VRMLRoutes     PreCondit
+HiLink VRMLProtos     PreProc
+HiLink VRMLRouteNode  Identifier
+HiLink VRMLInstName   Identifier
+HiLink VRMLTypes      Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "vrml"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/vroom.vim b/runtime/syntax/vroom.vim
index 0cd6ccce1d..0509e30b17 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/vroom.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/vroom.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	David Barnett (https://github.com/google/vim-ft-vroom)
 " Last Change:	2014 Jul 23
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items.
-" For version 6.x and later: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded.
-if v:version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists('b:current_syntax')
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists('b:current_syntax')
   finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/vsejcl.vim b/runtime/syntax/vsejcl.vim
index f4f00c65ea..5a106c2ef8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/vsejcl.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/vsejcl.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:
 " Last change: 2001 May 10
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -23,26 +20,18 @@ syn match vsejclString /'.\{-}'/
 syn match vsejclParms /(.\{-})/ contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_vsejcl_syntax")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_vsejcl_syntax = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink vsejclComment		Comment
-  HiLink vsejclField		Type
-  HiLink vsejclKeyword		Statement
-  HiLink vsejclObject		Constant
-  HiLink vsejclString		Constant
-  HiLink vsejclMisc			Special
-  HiLink vsejclParms		Constant
+HiLink vsejclComment		Comment
+HiLink vsejclField		Type
+HiLink vsejclKeyword		Statement
+HiLink vsejclObject		Constant
+HiLink vsejclString		Constant
+HiLink vsejclMisc			Special
+HiLink vsejclParms		Constant
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "vsejcl"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/wdiff.vim b/runtime/syntax/wdiff.vim
index 9cd0611819..bdc7be7131 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/wdiff.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/wdiff.vim
@@ -9,11 +9,8 @@
 " SPAM is _NOT_ welcome - be ready to be reported!
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -23,21 +20,12 @@ syn region wdiffNew start="{+" end="+}"
 
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_wdiff_syn_inits")
-  let did_wdiff_syn_inits = 1
-  if version < 508
-    let did_wdiff_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink wdiffOld       Special
-  HiLink wdiffNew       Identifier
+HiLink wdiffOld       Special
+HiLink wdiffNew       Identifier
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "wdiff"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/web.vim b/runtime/syntax/web.vim
index f7a7fdfdc2..54eebda399 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/web.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/web.vim
@@ -8,11 +8,8 @@
 " the standard WEB distribution, available for anonymous ftp at
 " ftp://labrea.stanford.edu/pub/tex/web/.
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -20,12 +17,8 @@ endif
 " we base this syntax file on the modern superset, CWEB.  Note: This shortcut
 " may introduce some illegal constructs, e.g., CWEB's "@c" does _not_ start a
 " code section in WEB.  Anyway, I'm not a WEB programmer.
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/cweb.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/cweb.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/cweb.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 " Replace C/C++ syntax by Pascal syntax.
 syntax include @webIncludedC <sfile>:p:h/pascal.vim
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/webmacro.vim b/runtime/syntax/webmacro.vim
index 3b863f7c37..2c32f537d8 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/webmacro.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/webmacro.vim
@@ -11,21 +11,16 @@
 " For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
 " For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
 if !exists("main_syntax")
-  if version < 600
-    syntax clear
-  elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+  " quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+  if exists("b:current_syntax")
     finish
   endif
   let main_syntax = 'webmacro'
 endif
 
 
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-  unlet b:current_syntax
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
+unlet b:current_syntax
 
 syn cluster htmlPreProc add=webmacroIf,webmacroUse,webmacroBraces,webmacroParse,webmacroInclude,webmacroSet,webmacroForeach,webmacroComment
 
@@ -49,31 +44,23 @@ syn match webmacroComment "##.*$"
 syn match webmacroHash "[#{}\$]" contained
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_webmacro_syn_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_webmacro_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink webmacroComment CommentTitle
-  HiLink webmacroVariable PreProc
-  HiLink webmacroIf webmacroStatement
-  HiLink webmacroForeach webmacroStatement
-  HiLink webmacroSet webmacroStatement
-  HiLink webmacroInclude webmacroStatement
-  HiLink webmacroParse webmacroStatement
-  HiLink webmacroStatement Function
-  HiLink webmacroNumber Number
-  HiLink webmacroBoolean Boolean
-  HiLink webmacroSpecial Special
-  HiLink webmacroString String
-  HiLink webmacroBracesError Error
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+HiLink webmacroComment CommentTitle
+HiLink webmacroVariable PreProc
+HiLink webmacroIf webmacroStatement
+HiLink webmacroForeach webmacroStatement
+HiLink webmacroSet webmacroStatement
+HiLink webmacroInclude webmacroStatement
+HiLink webmacroParse webmacroStatement
+HiLink webmacroStatement Function
+HiLink webmacroNumber Number
+HiLink webmacroBoolean Boolean
+HiLink webmacroSpecial Special
+HiLink webmacroString String
+HiLink webmacroBracesError Error
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "webmacro"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/winbatch.vim b/runtime/syntax/winbatch.vim
index aea2cdebcb..e787a5d09f 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/winbatch.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/winbatch.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		http://www.mggen.com/vim/syntax/winbatch.zip
 " Last change:	2001 May 10
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -158,29 +155,21 @@ syn keyword winbatchImplicit xgetchildhwnd xgetelapsed xhex xmemcompact xmessage
 syn keyword winbatchImplicit xsendmessage xverifyccard yield
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_winbatch_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_winbatch_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink winbatchLabel		PreProc
-  HiLink winbatchCtl		Operator
-  HiLink winbatchStatement	Statement
-  HiLink winbatchTodo		Todo
-  HiLink winbatchString		String
-  HiLink winbatchVar		Type
-  HiLink winbatchComment	Comment
-  HiLink winbatchImplicit	Special
-  HiLink winbatchNumber		Number
-  HiLink winbatchConstant	StorageClass
+HiLink winbatchLabel		PreProc
+HiLink winbatchCtl		Operator
+HiLink winbatchStatement	Statement
+HiLink winbatchTodo		Todo
+HiLink winbatchString		String
+HiLink winbatchVar		Type
+HiLink winbatchComment	Comment
+HiLink winbatchImplicit	Special
+HiLink winbatchNumber		Number
+HiLink winbatchConstant	StorageClass
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "winbatch"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/wml.vim b/runtime/syntax/wml.vim
index 5957930c8e..b9169d003b 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/wml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/wml.vim
@@ -16,21 +16,14 @@
 "  vim-package around your corner :)
 
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syn clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 
 " A lot of the web stuff looks like HTML so we load that first
-if version < 600
-  so <sfile>:p:h/html.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/html.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/html.vim
 unlet b:current_syntax
 
 if !exists("main_syntax")
@@ -108,11 +101,7 @@ syn region  htmlTagName    start="\<\(define-tag\|define-region\)" end="\>" cont
 " The perl include stuff
 if main_syntax != 'perl'
   " Perl script
-  if version < 600
-    syn include @wmlPerlScript <sfile>:p:h/perl.vim
-  else
-    syn include @wmlPerlScript syntax/perl.vim
-  endif
+  syn include @wmlPerlScript syntax/perl.vim
   unlet b:current_syntax
 
   syn region perlScript   start=+<perl>+ keepend end=+</perl>+ contains=@wmlPerlScript,wmlPerlTag
@@ -140,33 +129,24 @@ if main_syntax == "html"
 endif
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_wml_syn_inits")
-  let did_wml_syn_inits = 1
-  if version < 508
-    let did_wml_syn_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink wmlNextLine	Special
-  HiLink wmlUse		Include
-  HiLink wmlUsed	String
-  HiLink wmlBody	Special
-  HiLink wmlDiverted	Label
-  HiLink wmlDivert	Delimiter
-  HiLink wmlDivertEnd	Delimiter
-  HiLink wmlLocationId	Label
-  HiLink wmlLocation	Delimiter
+HiLink wmlNextLine	Special
+HiLink wmlUse		Include
+HiLink wmlUsed	String
+HiLink wmlBody	Special
+HiLink wmlDiverted	Label
+HiLink wmlDivert	Delimiter
+HiLink wmlDivertEnd	Delimiter
+HiLink wmlLocationId	Label
+HiLink wmlLocation	Delimiter
 " HiLink wmlLocationed	Delimiter
-  HiLink wmlDefineName	String
-  HiLink wmlComment	Comment
-  HiLink wmlInclude	Include
-  HiLink wmlSharpBang	PreProc
+HiLink wmlDefineName	String
+HiLink wmlComment	Comment
+HiLink wmlInclude	Include
+HiLink wmlSharpBang	PreProc
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "wml"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/wsml.vim b/runtime/syntax/wsml.vim
index 2a92a0d548..f2fbbf25c1 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/wsml.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/wsml.vim
@@ -4,10 +4,8 @@
 " URL:		none
 " Last Change:  2006 Apr 30
 
-" Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -78,45 +76,37 @@ syn match   wsmlSpecial "\\u\d\{4\}"
 syn cluster wsmlTop add=wsmlString,wsmlCharacter,wsmlNumber,wsmlSpecial,wsmlStringError
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" " For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" " For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
- if version >= 508 || !exists("did_wsml_syn_inits")
-   if version < 508
-       let did_wsml_syn_inits = 1
-       command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-   else
-       command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-   endif              
-   HiLink wsmlHeader			TypeDef
-   HiLink wsmlNamespace			TypeDef
-   HiLink wsmlOntology			Statement
-   HiLink wsmlAxiom			TypeDef
-   HiLink wsmlService			TypeDef
-   HiLink wsmlNFP			TypeDef
-   HiLink wsmlTopLevel			TypeDef
-   HiLink wsmlMediation			TypeDef 
-   HiLink wsmlBehavioral		TypeDef
-   HiLink wsmlChoreographyPri		TypeDef
-   HiLink wsmlChoreographySec		Operator
-   HiLink wsmlChoreographyTer		Special
-   HiLink wsmlString			String
-   HiLink wsmlIdentifier		Normal 
-   HiLink wsmlSqName                     Normal
-   HiLink wsmlVariable			Define
-   HiLink wsmlKeywordsInsideLEs		Operator
-   HiLink wsmlOperator			Operator
-   HiLink wsmlBrace			Operator
-   HiLink wsmlCharacter			Character
-   HiLink wsmlNumber			Number
-   HiLink wsmlDataTypes			Special
-   HiLink wsmlComment			Comment
-   HiLink wsmlDocComment		Comment
-   HiLink wsmlLineComment		Comment
-   HiLink wsmlTodo			Todo
-   HiLink wsmlFixMe			Error
-   HiLink wsmlCommentTitle		SpecialComment
-   HiLink wsmlCommentStar		wsmlComment
- endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink wsmlHeader			TypeDef
+HiLink wsmlNamespace			TypeDef
+HiLink wsmlOntology			Statement
+HiLink wsmlAxiom			TypeDef
+HiLink wsmlService			TypeDef
+HiLink wsmlNFP			TypeDef
+HiLink wsmlTopLevel			TypeDef
+HiLink wsmlMediation			TypeDef 
+HiLink wsmlBehavioral		TypeDef
+HiLink wsmlChoreographyPri		TypeDef
+HiLink wsmlChoreographySec		Operator
+HiLink wsmlChoreographyTer		Special
+HiLink wsmlString			String
+HiLink wsmlIdentifier		Normal 
+HiLink wsmlSqName                     Normal
+HiLink wsmlVariable			Define
+HiLink wsmlKeywordsInsideLEs		Operator
+HiLink wsmlOperator			Operator
+HiLink wsmlBrace			Operator
+HiLink wsmlCharacter			Character
+HiLink wsmlNumber			Number
+HiLink wsmlDataTypes			Special
+HiLink wsmlComment			Comment
+HiLink wsmlDocComment		Comment
+HiLink wsmlLineComment		Comment
+HiLink wsmlTodo			Todo
+HiLink wsmlFixMe			Error
+HiLink wsmlCommentTitle		SpecialComment
+HiLink wsmlCommentStar		wsmlComment
 
 delcommand HiLink
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/xdefaults.vim b/runtime/syntax/xdefaults.vim
index 5e38952a75..1dfcc34ae5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/xdefaults.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/xdefaults.vim
@@ -10,11 +10,8 @@
 "   xrdb manual page
 "   xrdb source: ftp://ftp.x.org/pub/R6.4/xc/programs/xrdb/xrdb.c
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -109,36 +106,28 @@ syn keyword xdefaultsSymbol contained X_RESOLUTION
 syn keyword xdefaultsSymbol contained Y_RESOLUTION
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_xdefaults_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_xdefaults_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
-  HiLink xdefaultsLabel		Type
-  HiLink xdefaultsValue		Constant
-  HiLink xdefaultsComment	Comment
-  HiLink xdefaultsCommentH	xdefaultsComment
-  HiLink xdefaultsPreProc	PreProc
-  HiLink xdefaultsInclude	xdefaultsPreProc
-  HiLink xdefaultsCppSkip	xdefaultsCppOut
-  HiLink xdefaultsCppOut2	xdefaultsCppOut
-  HiLink xdefaultsCppOut	Comment
-  HiLink xdefaultsIncluded	String
-  HiLink xdefaultsDefine	Macro
-  HiLink xdefaultsSymbol	Statement
-  HiLink xdefaultsSpecial	Statement
-  HiLink xdefaultsErrorLine	Error
-  HiLink xdefaultsCommentError	Error
-  HiLink xdefaultsPunct		Normal
-  HiLink xdefaultsLineEnd	Special
-  HiLink xdefaultsTodo		Todo
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+HiLink xdefaultsLabel		Type
+HiLink xdefaultsValue		Constant
+HiLink xdefaultsComment	Comment
+HiLink xdefaultsCommentH	xdefaultsComment
+HiLink xdefaultsPreProc	PreProc
+HiLink xdefaultsInclude	xdefaultsPreProc
+HiLink xdefaultsCppSkip	xdefaultsCppOut
+HiLink xdefaultsCppOut2	xdefaultsCppOut
+HiLink xdefaultsCppOut	Comment
+HiLink xdefaultsIncluded	String
+HiLink xdefaultsDefine	Macro
+HiLink xdefaultsSymbol	Statement
+HiLink xdefaultsSpecial	Statement
+HiLink xdefaultsErrorLine	Error
+HiLink xdefaultsCommentError	Error
+HiLink xdefaultsPunct		Normal
+HiLink xdefaultsLineEnd	Special
+HiLink xdefaultsTodo		Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "xdefaults"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/xf86conf.vim b/runtime/syntax/xf86conf.vim
index 62784d2285..545eda7db0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/xf86conf.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/xf86conf.vim
@@ -10,12 +10,8 @@
 "							 to force XFree86 3.x or 4.x XF86Config syntax
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-	if exists("b:current_syntax")
-		finish
-	endif
-else
-	echo "Sorry, but this syntax file relies on Vim 6 features.	 Either upgrade Vim or usea version of " . expand("<sfile>:t:r") . " syntax file appropriate for Vim " . version/100 . "." . version %100 . "."
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
 	finish
 endif
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/xkb.vim b/runtime/syntax/xkb.vim
index ff9bfd0dae..efb7d66c0c 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/xkb.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/xkb.vim
@@ -6,12 +6,9 @@
 " URL: http://trific.ath.cx/Ftp/vim/syntax/xkb.vim
 
 " Setup
-if version >= 600
-	if exists("b:current_syntax")
-		finish
-	endif
-else
-	syntax clear
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
+	finish
 endif
 
 syn case match
@@ -50,42 +47,35 @@ syn keyword xkbTModif default hidden partial virtual
 syn keyword xkbSect alphanumeric_keys alternate_group function_keys keypad_keys modifier_keys xkb_compatibility xkb_geometry xkb_keycodes xkb_keymap xkb_semantics xkb_symbols xkb_types
 
 " Define the default highlighting
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_xkb_syntax_inits")
-	if version < 508
-		let did_xkb_syntax_inits = 1
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-	else
-		command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-	endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-	HiLink xkbModif xkbPreproc
-	HiLink xkbTModif xkbPreproc
-	HiLink xkbPreproc Preproc
+HiLink xkbModif xkbPreproc
+HiLink xkbTModif xkbPreproc
+HiLink xkbPreproc Preproc
 
-	HiLink xkbIdentifier Keyword
-	HiLink xkbFunction Function
-	HiLink xkbSect Type
-	HiLink xkbPhysicalKey Identifier
-	HiLink xkbKeyword Keyword
+HiLink xkbIdentifier Keyword
+HiLink xkbFunction Function
+HiLink xkbSect Type
+HiLink xkbPhysicalKey Identifier
+HiLink xkbKeyword Keyword
 
-	HiLink xkbComment Comment
-	HiLink xkbTodo Todo
+HiLink xkbComment Comment
+HiLink xkbTodo Todo
 
-	HiLink xkbConstant Constant
-	HiLink xkbString String
+HiLink xkbConstant Constant
+HiLink xkbString String
 
-	HiLink xkbSpecialChar xkbSpecial
-	HiLink xkbSpecial Special
+HiLink xkbSpecialChar xkbSpecial
+HiLink xkbSpecial Special
 
-	HiLink xkbParenError xkbBalancingError
-	HiLink xkbBraceError xkbBalancingError
-	HiLink xkbBraketError xkbBalancingError
-	HiLink xkbBalancingError xkbError
-	HiLink xkbCommentStartError xkbCommentError
-	HiLink xkbCommentError xkbError
-	HiLink xkbError Error
+HiLink xkbParenError xkbBalancingError
+HiLink xkbBraceError xkbBalancingError
+HiLink xkbBraketError xkbBalancingError
+HiLink xkbBalancingError xkbError
+HiLink xkbCommentStartError xkbCommentError
+HiLink xkbCommentError xkbError
+HiLink xkbError Error
 
-	delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "xkb"
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/xmath.vim b/runtime/syntax/xmath.vim
index 5434f928c7..a81adf53cc 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/xmath.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/xmath.vim
@@ -5,11 +5,8 @@
 " Version:	7
 " URL:	http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#SYNTAX_XMATH
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -194,42 +191,34 @@ syn sync match xmathSyncComment	grouphere xmathCommentBlock "#{"
 syn sync match xmathSyncComment	groupthere NONE "}#"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_xmath_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_xmath_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink xmathBraceError	xmathError
-  HiLink xmathCmd	xmathStatement
-  HiLink xmathCommentBlock	xmathComment
-  HiLink xmathCurlyError	xmathError
-  HiLink xmathFuncCmd	xmathStatement
-  HiLink xmathParenError	xmathError
+HiLink xmathBraceError	xmathError
+HiLink xmathCmd	xmathStatement
+HiLink xmathCommentBlock	xmathComment
+HiLink xmathCurlyError	xmathError
+HiLink xmathFuncCmd	xmathStatement
+HiLink xmathParenError	xmathError
 
-  " The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
-  HiLink xmathCharacter	Character
-  HiLink xmathComma	Delimiter
-  HiLink xmathComment	Comment
-  HiLink xmathCommentBlock	Comment
-  HiLink xmathConditional	Conditional
-  HiLink xmathError	Error
-  HiLink xmathFunc	Function
-  HiLink xmathLabel	PreProc
-  HiLink xmathNumber	Number
-  HiLink xmathRepeat	Repeat
-  HiLink xmathSpecial	Type
-  HiLink xmathSpecialChar	SpecialChar
-  HiLink xmathStatement	Statement
-  HiLink xmathString	String
-  HiLink xmathTodo	Todo
+" The default methods for highlighting.  Can be overridden later
+HiLink xmathCharacter	Character
+HiLink xmathComma	Delimiter
+HiLink xmathComment	Comment
+HiLink xmathCommentBlock	Comment
+HiLink xmathConditional	Conditional
+HiLink xmathError	Error
+HiLink xmathFunc	Function
+HiLink xmathLabel	PreProc
+HiLink xmathNumber	Number
+HiLink xmathRepeat	Repeat
+HiLink xmathSpecial	Type
+HiLink xmathSpecialChar	SpecialChar
+HiLink xmathStatement	Statement
+HiLink xmathString	String
+HiLink xmathTodo	Todo
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "xmath"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/xpm.vim b/runtime/syntax/xpm.vim
index 3cbc1b54fd..8cc92a1189 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/xpm.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/xpm.vim
@@ -4,11 +4,8 @@
 " Last Change:	2008 May 28
 " Version:	5.4n.1
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -126,24 +123,16 @@ unlet color chars colors cpp n i s
 endif		" has("gui_running")
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_xpm_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_xpm_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink xpmType		Type
-  HiLink xpmStorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink xpmTodo		Todo
-  HiLink xpmComment		Comment
-  HiLink xpmPixelString	String
+HiLink xpmType		Type
+HiLink xpmStorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink xpmTodo		Todo
+HiLink xpmComment		Comment
+HiLink xpmPixelString	String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "xpm"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/xpm2.vim b/runtime/syntax/xpm2.vim
index 74b3c66af2..908f3914e5 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/xpm2.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/xpm2.vim
@@ -7,11 +7,8 @@
 "
 " Made from xpm.vim by Ronald Schild <rs@scutum.de>
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -23,13 +20,8 @@ syn keyword xpm2Todo		TODO FIXME XXX  contained
 syn match   xpm2Comment		"\!.*$"  contains=@Spell,xpm2Todo
 
 
-if version < 508
-  command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  command -nargs=+ Hi hi <args>
-else
-  command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  command -nargs=+ Hi hi def <args>
-endif
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
+command -nargs=+ Hi hi def <args>
 
 if has("gui_running")
 
@@ -144,20 +136,14 @@ if has("gui_running")
 endif		" has("gui_running")
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_xpm2_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_xpm2_syntax_inits = 1
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+" The default highlighting.
+HiLink xpm2Type		Type
+HiLink xpm2StorageClass	StorageClass
+HiLink xpm2Todo		Todo
+HiLink xpm2Comment		Comment
+HiLink xpm2PixelString	String
 
-  " The default highlighting.
-  HiLink xpm2Type		Type
-  HiLink xpm2StorageClass	StorageClass
-  HiLink xpm2Todo		Todo
-  HiLink xpm2Comment		Comment
-  HiLink xpm2PixelString	String
-endif
 delcommand HiLink
 delcommand Hi
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/xs.vim b/runtime/syntax/xs.vim
index 6fd0a468f9..9a9140fdd0 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/xs.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/xs.vim
@@ -5,20 +5,13 @@
 " Previous:    Vincent Pit <perl@profvince.com>
 " Last Change: 2013-05-12
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
 " Read the C syntax to start with
-if version < 600
-  source <sfile>:p:h/c.vim
-else
-  runtime! syntax/c.vim
-endif
+runtime! syntax/c.vim
 
 let xs_superseded = 1 " mark C functions superseded by Perl replacements
 let xs_not_core   = 1 " mark private core functions
@@ -3249,29 +3242,21 @@ syn keyword xsMacro what_len_TRICKYFOLD_safe whichsig write xio_any xio_dirp
 syn keyword xsMacro xiv_iv xuv_uv yystype
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_xs_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_xs_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink xsPrivate    Error
-  HiLink xsSuperseded Error
-  HiLink xsType       Type
-  HiLink xsString     String
-  HiLink xsConstant   Constant
-  HiLink xsException  Exception
-  HiLink xsKeyword    Keyword
-  HiLink xsFunction   Function
-  HiLink xsVariable   Identifier
-  HiLink xsMacro      Macro
+HiLink xsPrivate    Error
+HiLink xsSuperseded Error
+HiLink xsType       Type
+HiLink xsString     String
+HiLink xsConstant   Constant
+HiLink xsException  Exception
+HiLink xsKeyword    Keyword
+HiLink xsFunction   Function
+HiLink xsVariable   Identifier
+HiLink xsMacro      Macro
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "xs"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/xxd.vim b/runtime/syntax/xxd.vim
index b2b1e44603..1145ebccf2 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/xxd.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/xxd.vim
@@ -6,11 +6,8 @@
 " Notes:		use :help xxd   to see how to invoke it
 " URL:	http://www.drchip.org/astronaut/vim/index.html#SYNTAX_XXD
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -20,22 +17,14 @@ syn match xxdAscii				"  .\{,16\}\r\=$"hs=s+2	contains=xxdDot
 syn match xxdDot	contained	"[.\r]"
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_xxd_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_xxd_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
- HiLink xxdAddress	Constant
- HiLink xxdSep		Identifier
- HiLink xxdAscii	Statement
+HiLink xxdAddress	Constant
+HiLink xxdSep		Identifier
+HiLink xxdAscii	Statement
 
- delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "xxd"
 
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/yacc.vim b/runtime/syntax/yacc.vim
index 977ffa75e4..634c12ee5e 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/yacc.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/yacc.vim
@@ -10,9 +10,6 @@
 
 " ---------------------------------------------------------------------
 " this version of syntax/yacc.vim requires 6.0 or later
-if version < 600
- finish
-endif
 if exists("b:current_syntax")
  syntax clear
 endif
diff --git a/runtime/syntax/z8a.vim b/runtime/syntax/z8a.vim
index a3a8a2bbdf..054f6390e6 100644
--- a/runtime/syntax/z8a.vim
+++ b/runtime/syntax/z8a.vim
@@ -3,11 +3,8 @@
 " Maintainer:	Milan Pikula <www@fornax.elf.stuba.sk>
 " Last Change:	2003 May 11
 
-" For version 5.x: Clear all syntax items
-" For version 6.x: Quit when a syntax file was already loaded
-if version < 600
-  syntax clear
-elseif exists("b:current_syntax")
+" quit when a syntax file was already loaded
+if exists("b:current_syntax")
   finish
 endif
 
@@ -85,30 +82,22 @@ syn match z8aComment		";.*"
 syn case match
 
 " Define the default highlighting.
-" For version 5.7 and earlier: only when not done already
-" For version 5.8 and later: only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
-if version >= 508 || !exists("did_z8a_syntax_inits")
-  if version < 508
-    let did_z8a_syntax_inits = 1
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi link <args>
-  else
-    command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
-  endif
+" Only when an item doesn't have highlighting yet
+command -nargs=+ HiLink hi def link <args>
 
-  HiLink z8aSection		Special
-  HiLink z8aLabel		Label
-  HiLink z8aSpecialLabel	Label
-  HiLink z8aComment		Comment
-  HiLink z8aInstruction	Statement
-  HiLink z8aSpecInst		Statement
-  HiLink z8aInclude		Include
-  HiLink z8aPreCondit		PreCondit
-  HiLink z8aPreProc		PreProc
-  HiLink z8aNumber		Number
-  HiLink z8aString		String
+HiLink z8aSection		Special
+HiLink z8aLabel		Label
+HiLink z8aSpecialLabel	Label
+HiLink z8aComment		Comment
+HiLink z8aInstruction	Statement
+HiLink z8aSpecInst		Statement
+HiLink z8aInclude		Include
+HiLink z8aPreCondit		PreCondit
+HiLink z8aPreProc		PreProc
+HiLink z8aNumber		Number
+HiLink z8aString		String
 
-  delcommand HiLink
-endif
+delcommand HiLink
 
 let b:current_syntax = "z8a"
 " vim: ts=8