Jerra

Hence the need for a universal worldwide (well world wide apart from what I have heard described as a couple of banana republics and the USA) agreed system.

My point exactly. There needs to be one system. The government started to think metrication was a good thing over a century ago and finally went metric in the 70s, some people still refuse to accept the government's decision. Where would society be if everybody argued their idea was what should be used.

Then you end up with the basterdised situation we have now. Follow your idea to its logical conclusion and fred sells 2.5 inch widgets and Harry sell 65 mm. It wouldn't work. Couple that with why when the rest of the world two minor countries and the USA use a metric system. I have come across people who have no concept of metric sizes. To the extent I know farmers who ring their supplier and ask for a 40 gallon drum of XYZ. I once asked a supplier what they did "Oh we just send him a 200L drum and he is happy". On a national scale this can't be good for the country not to mention forcing the supplier to break the law (as I understand it you must be supplied with exactly what you order).