I compile packages from code all the time in Ubuntu, and it's super easy. I don't know if DC would be as easy, but how hard could it be?
How many pages of code? I would estimate it in the 4000 to 6000 page range. That's why it's such a big deal to replace the MFCs I should mention that Richard et al included a lot of notes (as they should have) so as to take up maybe a third of the above number.
I will say that someone has ported the GPDL engine to GNU/Linux. I believe he thinks he can port the whole thing...but I don't believe he has realized that GPDL does not rely on MFCs the way that the rest of the code does. Still, I will not try to dissuade him.
Edited to add: I've just contacted the individual mentioned above and informed him about these forums and the interested parties here - maybe he can find some help. I also offered him my continued help, whatever form this takes.
If interested, I can make available the source for GNU/linux and instructions on how to compile and install.