Numeric vs. alpha keys - reasons

["Tim Kredlo" <TKredlo@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

List,

I am creating a new G/L account master file layout where the unique key will
be a composite field comprised of fields that contain only digits.

The other day a post to the list contained a blurb that indicated it was a
common feeling that numeric keys were undesirable. It said something like:
'I know, I know, numeric keys - bad stuff'. (My apologies to the poster for
poor paraphrasing.)

I can see plenty of reasons 'pro' numeric (easy incrementing, for one) but I
don't see what the downside reasons would be.

Could I get some feedback regarding the numeric vs. alphameric decision to
be made here.

Thanks in advance for any provided insights.

Tim Kredlo
Exterior Wood, Inc.