function theme_linktree($force_show = false)
{
global $context, $settings;
// If linktree is empty, just return - also allow an override.
if (empty($context['linktree']) || (!empty($context['dont_default_linktree']) && !$force_show))
return;
Does anyone know why do we need a force? 
Also the dont_default_linktree...
I looks like a way to use a custom linktree template...?
Who votes for merciless removal?
The only option I could is a parameter to use another index in $context for the linktree, for example:
function theme_linktree($default = 'linktree')
{
global $context, $settings;
// If linktree is empty, just return - also allow an override.
if (empty($context[$default]))
return;
foreach ($context[$default] as $link_num => $tree)
[...]
Do we want that?