Or, you can simply remap capslock to ESC and leave the other ones alone

This is where I started. It was enough for me, until it wasn't ;)

macports or brew

Both are good, or (the less terminally focused user) may download the apps and drag them into Applications folder. Not everyone is at the same level.

don't have install privileges

I believe the whole article is irrelevant if you can't install your own software.