We will certainly add a setting that forces linking codes to be space separated from a feature codes; thus removing the restriction that any portion of feature codes cannot contain a linking code. We have always supported the ability to jam the linking codes up against feature codes probably because of legacy. Remember the early days when some collectors were numberic only. Even the ones that did have alpha keys were hard to get certain characters. We always went for speed in the field and wanted to support as many workflows as possible. This will just be another setting that gives the user the flexibility to work as desired.
In the meantime, the substitute strings setting will have to be used to change the linking codes from whole word ST to .ST, or anything else unique. Then change all the linking codes to match that change. (.ST .PC .PT, etc.) NOTE: This is an office software change only and does NOT require field coding changes. All past and legacy data will work with this method. For example; the code STEPS ST would be changed to STEPS .ST during import by string substitution, signifying the start of STEPS linear feature.
We aprreciate the feedback and suggestions.