Unfortunately, the general answer is yes. Some systems seem to handle errno better on success (Solaris?), but they are probably the exception and even then I wouldn't trust them 100%. There is a long history behind errno, most of it caused by poor initial "design" (if you can call it that), and it's definitely not going to change soon. If you check errno, you are signing a contract saying you have read the docs on the _specific_ call you are making. If it doesn't mention preservation of errno on success, chances are good that it probably doesn't.

You are right -- if you want to _really_ check for errors, in general you must jump through hoops with additional ugly code.