runtime vs build dependencies in making metapackages?

[Allen McBride]

In trying to make an mdmg for GNU Solfege, I first installed a clean  
copy of MacPorts, then used "port -f destroot solfege", which I now  
know was wrong.  But I counted 86 dependencies installed.  Then I did  
"port mdmg solfege", and counted 51 dependencies that MP tried (and  
failed, of course) to make packages of.

Now I know, or think I know, that the correct way to do this is to do  
"port -f destroot" for each dependency, and then "port mdmg solfege".   
But on which list do I use "port -f destroot", the 86 member list or  
the 51?  Is it that, in making a metapackage, I only need to worry  
about runtime dependencies, because build dependencies will already be  
included in the solfege binary?  And apparently I've got 51 runtime  
dependencies, and the rest are build deps?  That would all make sense  
to me, but I'm just speculating.

Thanks!
--Allen