Question 2: Wouldn't it be more convenient to
store lists of things in all
cases, and have the "map" version just as an optional API switch for users
who don't care about order (it could remain the default)? This would help to
retrieve order information more easily.
Strong support! As I see it, the mappings are causing real pain since
these simply do not represent that things are, in fact, stored in
order. The maps generate a wrong representation which, on the one
hand, may be more convenient at first glance but, on the other hand,
is confusing as soon as someone digs deeper into the API because these
"snaks-order" and "qualifiers-order" hack which got implemented when
everybody realized that we are missing order adds to complexity big
time. Personally, I would even drop the mappings completely. Yes, the
maps allow pretty fast access to values (in particular to users
inexperienced in dealing with APIs) but be sure that people using the
API will get along fine without them and Wikibase would have a single,
clean and more consistent interface. Do not fear the change. :)
I shall reiterate: STRONG SUPPORT!