It hasn't really bitten me yet, which doesn't mean that it won't as time goes on. Of course, I can't think of an example right now, but suppose I want to install package X with some configuration changes, meaning that I have to use ports. However, I can first run portmaster package_X
to see what else it may install. I then first install those dependencies using pkg, then, once they're all installed, finish it off with the port that I want' to install with custom configurations.
I don't know if it's considered safe to do this or not, and so far, have just been doing it on test machines (and one workstation which, if it breaks, won't bother anyone but me), and haven't been bitten yet.
I also haven't seen (though I haven't looked carefully) any warnings, nor heard any horror stories about it. It's early days of course, but so far, it's seemed safe to me.