always prompt for default directory when opening interactive subshell

Question

When I invoke C-u M-x shell while visiting a local file or scratch buffer, emacs does not prompt me to enter the default directory for the shell.

But if I'm visiting a remote file or directory through tramp, then when invoking C-u M-x shell, emacs will ask me for the default directory.

How can I make C-u M-x shell ask for the default directory even when I'm visiting a local file or buffer?

Answer 1

This is not foreseen in the code of shell. It asks for a default directory only in case the current default directory is remote. The comment says

;; It must be possible to declare a local default-directory.

If you want an option to be asked at every invocation of shell, you might write a wishlist report via M-x report-emacs-bug.