A key argument for this change is that we align with what most Linux distributions are doing. Since Linux/systemd says it should be a symbolic link, some third-party software like Chromium or R runs into problems when the zoneinfo file is copied to /etc/. The arguments I've read against this change (https://twitter.com/kaevans91/status/1580652408861958144) describe (theoretical) problems when /usr isn't mounted. However, peter@ says,

"I’ve never found a case where a symlink doesn’t Just Work."

I don't see any reason not to do this. @emaste: do you want to commit this, or shall I?

I'll push it later today or tomorrow