using XSLT to replace @ref in XML schema

Inspired by an issue on another list (JAXB), I'd like to ask whether
someone here has ever seen or heard about an XSLT replacing all the
@ref by their respective target?

AFAIK, they are just shortcuts, and such a replacement shouldn't make
any difference.  Also, an XSLT would be a simple way of doing this -
or am I missing something?

(I'm *not* asking for a solution in code; don't waste your time, please.)
Thanks
-W

PS: Sorry if this slightly off-topic.