I gave compiling another try now after few months. Same error returned (even on same OS, sidux debian/sid):
/cal3d$
autoreconf --install --force
configure.in:41: error: possibly undefined macro: AC_DISABLE_STATIC
If this token and others are legitimate, please use m4_pattern_allow.
See the Autoconf documentation.
configure.in:43: error: possibly undefined macro: AC_LIBTOOL_WIN32_DLL
configure.in:44: error: possibly undefined macro: AC_PROG_LIBTOOL
autoreconf: /usr/bin/autoconf failed with exit status: 1I found deb-packages
here, and since "unstable" seems to be the only non-*buntu package I chose it (please dont tell me it's *buntu now

). So I went on as instructed on the site TomPhoenix linked to (of course without giving paths to cal3d for configuring).
The compiling ran through like a charm.
Now my client connected to the official server lacks most parts of the gui, including the cursor (although running, mouse-look etc does work).
Perhaps those data is stored in the home-folders files? Would I need to adjust some config file pointing to it?
Thanks.
EDIT:
Since on starting the client my login data chows up right away I am assuming its already looking up the proper location - any idea why the gui isnt working properly? I tried both, using the one coming from the compilation, and the one from my precompiled install.
It seems to be artwork: the inventory shows all items etc, but not the background image of the window. Same with shortcut-bar and buddylist, also it "feels" like cursor just doesnt show up, but "is there".
/planeshift/art/skins/base/client_base.zip is there though.
EDIT2:
Gosh.. seems like it was just undefined from scratch - choosing a skin once fixed it for me. Sorry for inconveniences.