The nvram is necessary for the install because
I had two choices that didn't involve changing
the kernel boot process: talk (human) installers
through typing a user name and password, or
provide an nvram file so that that particular
prompt goes away.

Since the disk is also being used to do things
like save the state of a partial install, squirrel
away VGA debugging information, and keep the vgadb
somewhere that is easily editable from a non-Plan 9
operating system, the nvram being on the floppy
is but the tip of this particular iceberg.

Russ