  In information theory -- as well as in the adjacent fields of statistics,
machine learning, artificial intelligence, signal processing and pattern
recognition -- many flexibilizations of the omnipresent Kullback-Leibler
information distance (relative entropy) and of the closely related Shannon
entropy have become frequently used tools. To tackle corresponding constrained
minimization (respectively maximization) problems by a newly developed
dimension-free bare (pure) simulation method, is the main goal of this paper.
Almost no assumptions (like convexity) on the set of constraints are needed,
within our discrete setup of arbitrary dimension, and our method is precise
(i.e., converges in the limit). As a side effect, we also derive an innovative
way of constructing new useful distances/divergences. To illustrate the core of
our approach, we present numerous solved cases. The potential for widespread
applicability is indicated, too; in particular, we deliver many recent
references for uses of the involved distances/divergences and entropies in
various different research fields (which may also serve as an interdisciplinary
interface).
