The post discusses an unexpected optimization regarding the storage size of enums within the Rust compiler. It highlights how the compiler may align enum discriminants differently than anticipated, potentially leading to smaller memory consumption than originally expected. In a technical comment, one user speculates that the optimization is influenced by alignment requirements and sub-byte discriminant sizes, which can cause variations in how the enum variants are ordered and sized. Additionally, the possibility of transforming nested match statements into a jumplist is mentioned as a theoretical advantage of this optimization, although it remains uncertain if the Rust compiler (rustc) implements this transformation. Overall, the post reflects on the complexities and efficiencies around Rust's enum handling in terms of memory management, with implications for performance-critical applications.