I see what you're saying. To me, this seems to be a non-issue. Because it's just as consequential as using `*`. If one is allowed, why not the other? Internal changes in the DBMS may also return a different order with `*`, right? SQL inside programs should be using explicit column names, not `*`. And, if they use `*` they will also risk breaking with a newer DBMS version. These shortcuts are mostly meant for manual use. Regardless, if one (`*`) is affected and it's acceptable, why would it be a problem with the other? agp