Multiple sort option logic

We have a requirement to print multiple variations of an aging
report, giving users 4 different sort groups.  The matrix looks
like about 80 combinations.

The users will have an input screen of some kind to define their
sort definitions.

Right away, I thought OPNQRYF using variables might do the trick.
Ugly IMHO but effective.  Then I wondered aloud if SQL would be a
better avenue.  We almost certainly have partial paths out there,
so we do not start from zero, but then again it could also get ugly.
Also, the ability to save at least a definition (even better, a full
path) would be an attaboy.

Trying to weigh the maintainability versus the performance, and looking
for suggestions.

TIA

Dan Rasch - because if the human species concentrated on the really
important things in life, there would be a shortage of fishing poles!
IBM Certified twice....... but still a couple PTFs away from Nirvana.