From a system point of view, one can argue that sort order is a display 
function.  Systems that are designed to display data in sequence (as index 
listings, classification-order listings etc.) need to have consistent data to 
work with and rules to apply.  Mechanisms to achieve that consistency in data 
are surely a proper part of the rules for the data framework.  Predictable 
sequence is one of the tools for assessing and using the data (I consistently 
use name index lists to discover and resolve apparent discrepancies, 
distinctions and duplications in forms of name).

If not, we're going to be taking a giant step backwards!

Hal Cain
Melbourne, Australia
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