I'm wondering if this really is a request/need for digraph support vs overstrike.
The two are very different.
I had to deal with using digraph support in the early 80's when writing
C code on IBM machines and printers.
EBCDIC does not have curly braces in its font.
(Makes C programming really tough)
So the digraph (< is { and >) is }
When the device can render a curly brace it all happens
under the hood and is hidden,
however it can make writing code on devices/terminals or
reading printouts when the digraph is displayed
rather than the actual curly brace characters a bit challenging/confusing sometimes.
--- bill