You're right, this require kernel modification. In fact, using them for opie-reader was my #1 motivation in making a custom kernel (externe.net/zaurus/kernel)
Yet you not only need to hack the kernel but also .tbl files in /opt/Qtopia/etc/*tbl
I've not decided yet how I would map these keys, but I think I'd like to map:
power short press= lcd off (mp3 player, cell phone dialer, etc)
power long press = off
record short press= some key event
record long press=another key event
Then ppl could map these key events.
Anyway, I'm now as motivated as I was before, but I'd be interested in making these keys work if someone wanted to give a hand :-) Would you be interested in fixing the .tbl tables? The 6000 custom kernel has proper long keypresses support for every hardware key (address, calendar etc). All it needs is a good set of .tbl files. Then I'll go back into power/rec handling