The repertoire of all possible combining characters sequences is already infinite in Unicode, as well as the number of "default grapheme clusters" they can represent.For a fixed length of combining character sequence (base + 3 combining marks is the most I have seen graphically distinguishable) the repertore is still finite.
I am enthused about some nicely distinuishable sequences e.g. u + macron + diaeresis shows nicely as a long long vowel u-Umlaut, whereas u + diaeresis + macron displays as long vowel u with trema above to be spoken as a separate vowel. BRAVO! I do not see a good reason why does not work for all other base characters, particularly on all vowels (e, i, o combine in undesirable fashion, a only in one newest version of a unicode font).
I can add an accute accent to each sequence but the accent is smuged into the previous complex characters in an ugly default overtype mode.
Another GOOD solution: The single combining Hebrew-dagesh point 'finds' the right 'inner' place in all the Hebrew consonants and some Latin base characters, why should overtype uglyness be allowed in many other cases.
There seems to be no difficulty to implement composition of complex character from inside out.
Can't we join forces to request a default graphical representation, so that legible, distinguishable complex symbols must be generated by future unicode-fonts? The technical details are not too complex and the expressiveness and ease of use of Unicode would be greatly enhanced.
The Greek accute and grave accents should by themselves combine centered over any base-character; and if together with a spiritus asper or lenis should be minimally separated from the accent horizontally and display centered over the base character.
Hebrew vowel-points and accents also need to be fitted under any single base characteer.
Samaritan complex characters should be composable of short combining sequences.
Peter R. Mueller-Roemer
