This is a terrible C solution. In my defense, I wasn't trying for C, but for RP.

Theory min for C:

You need 1½ input sets to make an output set; 6 output sets means N = 9.
The last input set can be bonded directly on, so L=1.

Hence min C = 20.


I'm probably going to beat this with a P6 or P12 solution.