diff --git a/masque/builder/pather.py b/masque/builder/pather.py
index c795e75..11e4d80 100644
--- a/masque/builder/pather.py
+++ b/masque/builder/pather.py
@@ -430,49 +430,17 @@ class Pather(Builder):
             **kwargs,
             )
 
+
     def path_into(
             self,
             portspec_src: str,
             portspec_dst: str,
             *,
             tool_port_names: tuple[str, str] = ('A', 'B'),
-            out_ptype: str | None = None,
+            out_ptype: str = 'unk',
             plug_destination: bool = True,
             **kwargs,
             ) -> Self:
-        """
-        Create a "wire"/"waveguide" and traveling between the ports `portspec_src` and
-        `portspec_dst`, and `plug` it into both (or just the source port).
-
-        Only unambiguous scenarios are allowed:
-            - Straight connector between facing ports
-            - Single 90 degree bend
-            - Jog between facing ports
-                (jog is done as late as possible, i.e. only 2 L-shaped segments are used)
-
-        By default, the destination's `pytpe` will be used as the `out_ptype` for the
-        wire, and the `portspec_dst` will be plugged (i.e. removed).
-
-        Args:
-            portspec_src: The name of the starting port into which the wire will be plugged.
-            portspec_dst: The name of the destination port.
-            tool_port_names: The names of the ports on the generated pattern. It is unlikely
-                that you will need to change these. The first port is the input (to be
-                connected to `portspec`).
-            out_ptype: Passed to the pathing tool in order to specify the desired port type
-                to be generated at the destination end. If `None` (default), the destination
-                port's `ptype` will be used.
-
-        Returns:
-            self
-
-        Raises:
-            PortError if either port does not have a specified rotation.
-            BuildError if and invalid port config is encountered:
-                - Non-manhattan ports
-                - U-bend
-                - Destination too close to (or behind) source
-        """
         if self._dead:
             logger.error('Skipping path_into() since device is dead')
             return self
@@ -480,18 +448,15 @@ class Pather(Builder):
         port_src = self.pattern[portspec_src]
         port_dst = self.pattern[portspec_dst]
 
-        if out_ptype is None:
-            out_ptype = port_dst.ptype
-
         if port_src.rotation is None:
             raise PortError(f'Port {portspec_src} has no rotation and cannot be used for path_into()')
         if port_dst.rotation is None:
             raise PortError(f'Port {portspec_dst} has no rotation and cannot be used for path_into()')
 
         if not numpy.isclose(port_src.rotation % (pi / 2), 0):
-            raise BuildError('path_into was asked to route from non-manhattan port')
+            raise BuildError('path_to was asked to route from non-manhattan port')
         if not numpy.isclose(port_dst.rotation % (pi / 2), 0):
-            raise BuildError('path_into was asked to route to non-manhattan port')
+            raise BuildError('path_to was asked to route to non-manhattan port')
 
         src_is_horizontal = numpy.isclose(port_src.rotation % pi, 0)
         dst_is_horizontal = numpy.isclose(port_dst.rotation % pi, 0)
@@ -500,7 +465,7 @@ class Pather(Builder):
 
         angle = (port_dst.rotation - port_src.rotation) % (2 * pi)
 
-        src_ne = port_src.rotation % (2 * pi) > (3 * pi / 4)     # path from src will go north or east
+        src_ne = port_src.rotation % (2 * pi) > (3 * pi /4)     # path from src will go north or east
 
         def get_jog(ccw: SupportsBool, length: float) -> float:
             tool = self.tools.get(portspec_src, self.tools[None])
@@ -546,7 +511,7 @@ class Pather(Builder):
                 self.path_to(portspec_src, not ccw2, y=yd - jog, **src_args)
                 self.path_to(portspec_src, ccw2, x=xd, **dst_args)
         elif numpy.isclose(angle, 0):
-            raise BuildError('Don\'t know how to route a U-bend at this time!')
+            raise BuildError(f'Don\'t know how to route a U-bend at this time!')
         else:
             raise BuildError(f'Don\'t know how to route ports with relative angle {angle}')
 
@@ -679,7 +644,7 @@ class Pather(Builder):
             self.library[name] = bld.pattern
             return self.plug(Abstract(name, bld.pattern.ports), {sp: 'in_' + sp for sp in ports.keys()})       # TODO safe to use 'in_'?
 
-    # TODO def bus_join()?
+    # TODO def path_join() and def bus_join()?
 
     def flatten(self) -> Self:
         """
diff --git a/masque/builder/tools.py b/masque/builder/tools.py
index 1b7a74f..3733ad1 100644
--- a/masque/builder/tools.py
+++ b/masque/builder/tools.py
@@ -294,7 +294,7 @@ class BasicTool(Tool, metaclass=ABCMeta):
             ipat, iport_theirs, _iport_ours = data.in_transition
             pat.plug(ipat, {port_names[1]: iport_theirs})
         if not numpy.isclose(data.straight_length, 0):
-            straight = tree <= {SINGLE_USE_PREFIX + 'straight': gen_straight(data.straight_length, **kwargs)}
+            straight = tree <= {SINGLE_USE_PREFIX + 'straight': gen_straight(data.straight_length)}
             pat.plug(straight, {port_names[1]: sport_in})
         if data.ccw is not None:
             bend, bport_in, bport_out = self.bend
diff --git a/masque/file/gdsii.py b/masque/file/gdsii.py
index 4dce32c..cd2c6c5 100644
--- a/masque/file/gdsii.py
+++ b/masque/file/gdsii.py
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ def writefile(
     with tmpfile(path) as base_stream:
         streams: tuple[Any, ...] = (base_stream,)
         if path.suffix == '.gz':
-            stream = cast(IO[bytes], gzip.GzipFile(filename='', mtime=0, fileobj=base_stream, mode='wb', compresslevel=6))
+            stream = cast(IO[bytes], gzip.GzipFile(filename='', mtime=0, fileobj=base_stream, mode='wb'))
             streams = (stream,) + streams
         else:
             stream = base_stream
diff --git a/masque/file/utils.py b/masque/file/utils.py
index 898bd05..9edc0f9 100644
--- a/masque/file/utils.py
+++ b/masque/file/utils.py
@@ -1,92 +1,21 @@
 """
 Helper functions for file reading and writing
 """
-from typing import IO, Iterator, Mapping
+from typing import IO, Iterator
 import re
 import pathlib
 import logging
 import tempfile
 import shutil
-from collections import defaultdict
 from contextlib import contextmanager
-from pprint import pformat
-from itertools import chain
 
-from .. import Pattern, PatternError, Library, LibraryError
+from .. import Pattern, PatternError
 from ..shapes import Polygon, Path
 
 
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 
-def preflight(
-        lib: Library,
-        sort: bool = True,
-        sort_elements: bool = False,
-        allow_dangling_refs: bool | None = None,
-        allow_named_layers: bool = True,
-        prune_empty_patterns: bool = False,
-        wrap_repeated_shapes: bool = False,
-        ) -> Library:
-    """
-    Run a standard set of useful operations and checks, usually done immediately prior
-    to writing to a file (or immediately after reading).
-
-    Args:
-        sort: Whether to sort the patterns based on their names, and optionaly sort the pattern contents.
-            Default True. Useful for reproducible builds.
-        sort_elements: Whether to sort the pattern contents. Requires sort=True to run.
-        allow_dangling_refs: If `None` (default), warns about any refs to patterns that are not
-            in the provided library. If `True`, no check is performed; if `False`, a `LibraryError`
-            is raised instead.
-        allow_named_layers: If `False`, raises a `PatternError` if any layer is referred to by
-            a string instead of a number (or tuple).
-        prune_empty_patterns: Runs `Library.prune_empty()`, recursively deleting any empty patterns.
-        wrap_repeated_shapes: Runs `Library.wrap_repeated_shapes()`, turning repeated shapes into
-            repeated refs containing non-repeated shapes.
-
-    Returns:
-        `lib` or an equivalent sorted library
-    """
-    if sort:
-        lib = Library(dict(sorted(
-            (nn, pp.sort(sort_elements=sort_elements)) for nn, pp in lib.items()
-            )))
-
-    if not allow_dangling_refs:
-        refs = lib.referenced_patterns()
-        dangling = refs - set(lib.keys())
-        if dangling:
-            msg = 'Dangling refs found: ' + pformat(dangling)
-            if allow_dangling_refs is None:
-                logger.warning(msg)
-            else:
-                raise LibraryError(msg)
-
-    if not allow_named_layers:
-        named_layers: Mapping[str, set] = defaultdict(set)
-        for name, pat in lib.items():
-            for layer in chain(pat.shapes.keys(), pat.labels.keys()):
-                if isinstance(layer, str):
-                    named_layers[name].add(layer)
-        named_layers = dict(named_layers)
-        if named_layers:
-            raise PatternError('Non-numeric layers found:' + pformat(named_layers))
-
-    if prune_empty_patterns:
-        pruned = lib.prune_empty()
-        if pruned:
-            logger.info(f'Preflight pruned {len(pruned)} empty patterns')
-            logger.debug('Pruned: ' + pformat(pruned))
-        else:
-            logger.debug('Preflight found no empty patterns')
-
-    if wrap_repeated_shapes:
-        lib.wrap_repeated_shapes()
-
-    return lib
-
-
 def mangle_name(name: str) -> str:
     """
     Sanitize a name.
diff --git a/masque/label.py b/masque/label.py
index 7eb9068..0c250cc 100644
--- a/masque/label.py
+++ b/masque/label.py
@@ -1,17 +1,15 @@
-from typing import Self, Any
+from typing import Self
 import copy
-import functools
 
 import numpy
 from numpy.typing import ArrayLike, NDArray
 
 from .repetition import Repetition
-from .utils import rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_t, annotations_eq, annotations_lt, rep2key
+from .utils import rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_t
 from .traits import PositionableImpl, Copyable, Pivotable, RepeatableImpl, Bounded
 from .traits import AnnotatableImpl
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Label(PositionableImpl, RepeatableImpl, AnnotatableImpl, Bounded, Pivotable, Copyable):
     """
     A text annotation with a position (but no size; it is not drawn)
@@ -66,23 +64,6 @@ class Label(PositionableImpl, RepeatableImpl, AnnotatableImpl, Bounded, Pivotabl
         new._offset = self._offset.copy()
         return new
 
-    def __lt__(self, other: 'Label') -> bool:
-        if self.string != other.string:
-            return self.string < other.string
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset):
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.repetition != other.repetition:
-            return rep2key(self.repetition) < rep2key(other.repetition)
-        return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            self.string == other.string
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and self.repetition == other.repetition
-            and annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-            )
-
     def rotate_around(self, pivot: ArrayLike, rotation: float) -> Self:
         """
         Rotate the label around a point.
diff --git a/masque/pattern.py b/masque/pattern.py
index 614124a..0d98164 100644
--- a/masque/pattern.py
+++ b/masque/pattern.py
@@ -5,7 +5,6 @@
 from typing import Callable, Sequence, cast, Mapping, Self, Any, Iterable, TypeVar, MutableMapping
 import copy
 import logging
-import functools
 from itertools import chain
 from collections import defaultdict
 
@@ -18,8 +17,7 @@ from .ref import Ref
 from .abstract import Abstract
 from .shapes import Shape, Polygon, Path, DEFAULT_POLY_NUM_VERTICES
 from .label import Label
-from .utils import rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_t, layer_t, annotations_eq, annotations_lt, layer2key
-from .utils import ports_eq, ports_lt
+from .utils import rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_t, layer_t
 from .error import PatternError, PortError
 from .traits import AnnotatableImpl, Scalable, Mirrorable, Rotatable, Positionable, Repeatable, Bounded
 from .ports import Port, PortList
@@ -28,7 +26,6 @@ from .ports import Port, PortList
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
     """
       2D layout consisting of some set of shapes, labels, and references to other
@@ -195,146 +192,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
 #            )
 #        return new
 
-    def __lt__(self, other: 'Pattern') -> bool:
-        self_nonempty_targets = [target for target, reflist in self.refs.items() if reflist]
-        other_nonempty_targets = [target for target, reflist in self.refs.items() if reflist]
-        self_tgtkeys = tuple(sorted((target is None, target) for target in self_nonempty_targets))
-        other_tgtkeys = tuple(sorted((target is None, target) for target in other_nonempty_targets))
-
-        if self_tgtkeys != other_tgtkeys:
-            return self_tgtkeys < other_tgtkeys
-
-        for _, target in self_tgtkeys:
-            refs_ours = tuple(sorted(self.refs[target]))
-            refs_theirs = tuple(sorted(other.refs[target]))
-            if refs_ours != refs_theirs:
-                return refs_ours < refs_theirs
-
-        self_nonempty_layers = [ll for ll, elems in self.shapes.items() if elems]
-        other_nonempty_layers = [ll for ll, elems in self.shapes.items() if elems]
-        self_layerkeys = tuple(sorted(layer2key(ll) for ll in self_nonempty_layers))
-        other_layerkeys = tuple(sorted(layer2key(ll) for ll in other_nonempty_layers))
-
-        if self_layerkeys != other_layerkeys:
-            return self_layerkeys < other_layerkeys
-
-        for _, _, layer in self_layerkeys:
-            shapes_ours = tuple(sorted(self.shapes[layer]))
-            shapes_theirs = tuple(sorted(self.shapes[layer]))
-            if shapes_ours != shapes_theirs:
-                return shapes_ours < shapes_theirs
-
-        self_nonempty_txtlayers = [ll for ll, elems in self.labels.items() if elems]
-        other_nonempty_txtlayers = [ll for ll, elems in self.labels.items() if elems]
-        self_txtlayerkeys = tuple(sorted(layer2key(ll) for ll in self_nonempty_txtlayers))
-        other_txtlayerkeys = tuple(sorted(layer2key(ll) for ll in other_nonempty_txtlayers))
-
-        if self_txtlayerkeys != other_txtlayerkeys:
-            return self_txtlayerkeys < other_txtlayerkeys
-
-        for _, _, layer in self_layerkeys:
-            labels_ours = tuple(sorted(self.labels[layer]))
-            labels_theirs = tuple(sorted(self.labels[layer]))
-            if labels_ours != labels_theirs:
-                return labels_ours < labels_theirs
-
-        if not annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations):
-            return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
-        if not ports_eq(self.ports, other.ports):
-            return ports_lt(self.ports, other.ports)
-
-        return False
-
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            return False
-
-        self_nonempty_targets = [target for target, reflist in self.refs.items() if reflist]
-        other_nonempty_targets = [target for target, reflist in self.refs.items() if reflist]
-        self_tgtkeys = tuple(sorted((target is None, target) for target in self_nonempty_targets))
-        other_tgtkeys = tuple(sorted((target is None, target) for target in other_nonempty_targets))
-
-        if self_tgtkeys != other_tgtkeys:
-            return False
-
-        for _, target in self_tgtkeys:
-            refs_ours = tuple(sorted(self.refs[target]))
-            refs_theirs = tuple(sorted(other.refs[target]))
-            if refs_ours != refs_theirs:
-                return False
-
-        self_nonempty_layers = [ll for ll, elems in self.shapes.items() if elems]
-        other_nonempty_layers = [ll for ll, elems in self.shapes.items() if elems]
-        self_layerkeys = tuple(sorted(layer2key(ll) for ll in self_nonempty_layers))
-        other_layerkeys = tuple(sorted(layer2key(ll) for ll in other_nonempty_layers))
-
-        if self_layerkeys != other_layerkeys:
-            return False
-
-        for _, _, layer in self_layerkeys:
-            shapes_ours = tuple(sorted(self.shapes[layer]))
-            shapes_theirs = tuple(sorted(self.shapes[layer]))
-            if shapes_ours != shapes_theirs:
-                return False
-
-        self_nonempty_txtlayers = [ll for ll, elems in self.labels.items() if elems]
-        other_nonempty_txtlayers = [ll for ll, elems in self.labels.items() if elems]
-        self_txtlayerkeys = tuple(sorted(layer2key(ll) for ll in self_nonempty_txtlayers))
-        other_txtlayerkeys = tuple(sorted(layer2key(ll) for ll in other_nonempty_txtlayers))
-
-        if self_txtlayerkeys != other_txtlayerkeys:
-            return False
-
-        for _, _, layer in self_layerkeys:
-            labels_ours = tuple(sorted(self.labels[layer]))
-            labels_theirs = tuple(sorted(self.labels[layer]))
-            if labels_ours != labels_theirs:
-                return False
-
-        if not annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations):
-            return False
-
-        if not ports_eq(self.ports, other.ports):
-            return False
-
-        return True
-
-    def sort(self, sort_elements: bool = True) -> Self:
-        """
-        Sort the element dicts (shapes, labels, refs) and (optionally) their contained lists.
-        This is primarily useful for making builds more reproducible.
-
-        Args:
-            sort_elements: Whether to sort all the shapes/labels/refs within each layer/target.
-
-        Returns:
-            self
-        """
-        if sort_elements:
-            def maybe_sort(xx):
-                return sorted(xx)
-        else:
-            def maybe_sort(xx):
-                return xx
-
-        self.refs = defaultdict(list, sorted(
-            (tgt, maybe_sort(rrs)) for tgt, rrs in self.refs.items()
-            ))
-        self.labels = defaultdict(list, sorted(
-            ((layer, maybe_sort(lls)) for layer, lls in self.labels.items()),
-            key=lambda tt: layer2key(tt[0]),
-            ))
-        self.shapes = defaultdict(list, sorted(
-            ((layer, maybe_sort(sss)) for layer, sss in self.shapes.items()),
-            key=lambda tt: layer2key(tt[0]),
-            ))
-
-        self.ports = dict(sorted(self.ports.items()))
-        self.annotations = dict(sorted(self.annotations.items()))
-
-        return self
-
     def append(self, other_pattern: 'Pattern') -> Self:
         """
         Appends all shapes, labels and refs from other_pattern to self's shapes,
@@ -579,8 +436,6 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
                             corners = (rotation_matrix_2d(ref.rotation) @ ubounds.T).T
                             bounds = numpy.vstack((numpy.min(corners, axis=0),
                                                    numpy.max(corners, axis=0))) * ref.scale + [ref.offset]
-                            if ref.repetition is not None:
-                                bounds += ref.repetition.get_bounds()
 
                     else:
                         # Non-manhattan rotation, have to figure out bounds by rotating the pattern
@@ -1232,7 +1087,7 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
           ports specified by `map_out`.
 
         Examples:
-        ======list, ===
+        =========
         - `my_pat.plug(subdevice, {'A': 'C', 'B': 'B'}, map_out={'D': 'myport'})`
             instantiates `subdevice` into `my_pat`, plugging ports 'A' and 'B'
             of `my_pat` into ports 'C' and 'B' of `subdevice`. The connected ports
@@ -1308,7 +1163,7 @@ class Pattern(PortList, AnnotatableImpl, Mirrorable):
             map_out[vi] = None
 
         if isinstance(other, Pattern):
-            assert append, 'Got a name (not an abstract) but was asked to reference (not append)'
+            assert append
 
         self.place(
             other,
diff --git a/masque/ports.py b/masque/ports.py
index 9ee58f5..3e78759 100644
--- a/masque/ports.py
+++ b/masque/ports.py
@@ -1,11 +1,9 @@
-from typing import Iterable, KeysView, ValuesView, overload, Self, Mapping, NoReturn, Any
+from typing import Iterable, KeysView, ValuesView, overload, Self, Mapping, NoReturn
 import warnings
 import traceback
 import logging
-import functools
 from collections import Counter
 from abc import ABCMeta, abstractmethod
-from itertools import chain
 
 import numpy
 from numpy import pi
@@ -19,7 +17,6 @@ from .error import PortError
 logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Port(PositionableImpl, Rotatable, PivotableImpl, Copyable, Mirrorable):
     """
     A point at which a `Device` can be snapped to another `Device`.
@@ -89,9 +86,6 @@ class Port(PositionableImpl, Rotatable, PivotableImpl, Copyable, Mirrorable):
     def y(self, val: float) -> None:
         self.offset[1] = val
 
-    def copy(self) -> Self:
-        return self.deepcopy()
-
     def get_bounds(self):
         return numpy.vstack((self.offset, self.offset))
 
@@ -123,27 +117,6 @@ class Port(PositionableImpl, Rotatable, PivotableImpl, Copyable, Mirrorable):
             rot = str(numpy.rad2deg(self.rotation))
         return f'<{self.offset}, {rot}, [{self.ptype}]>'
 
-    def __lt__(self, other: 'Port') -> bool:
-        if self.ptype != other.ptype:
-            return self.ptype < other.ptype
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset):
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.rotation != other.rotation:
-            if self.rotation is None:
-                return True
-            if other.rotation is None:
-                return False
-            return self.rotation < other.rotation
-        return False
-
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            type(self) is type(other)
-            and self.ptype == other.ptype
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and self.rotation == other.rotation
-            )
-
 
 class PortList(metaclass=ABCMeta):
     __slots__ = ()      # Allow subclasses to use __slots__
@@ -273,75 +246,6 @@ class PortList(metaclass=ABCMeta):
         self.ports.update(new_ports)
         return self
 
-    def plugged(
-            self,
-            connections: dict[str, str],
-            ) -> Self:
-        """
-        Verify that the ports specified by `connections` are coincident and have opposing
-        rotations, then remove the ports.
-
-        This is used when ports have been "manually" aligned as part of some other routing,
-        but for whatever reason were not eliminated via `plug()`.
-
-        Args:
-            connections: Pairs of ports which "plug" each other (same offset, opposing directions)
-
-        Returns:
-            self
-
-        Raises:
-            `PortError` if the ports are not properly aligned.
-        """
-        a_names, b_names = list(zip(*connections.items()))
-        a_ports = [self.ports[pp] for pp in a_names]
-        b_ports = [self.ports[pp] for pp in b_names]
-
-        a_types = [pp.ptype for pp in a_ports]
-        b_types = [pp.ptype for pp in b_ports]
-        type_conflicts = numpy.array([at != bt and at != 'unk' and bt != 'unk'
-                                      for at, bt in zip(a_types, b_types)])
-
-        if type_conflicts.any():
-            msg = 'Ports have conflicting types:\n'
-            for nn, (k, v) in enumerate(connections.items()):
-                if type_conflicts[nn]:
-                    msg += f'{k} | {a_types[nn]}:{b_types[nn]} | {v}\n'
-            msg = ''.join(traceback.format_stack()) + '\n' + msg
-            warnings.warn(msg, stacklevel=2)
-
-        a_offsets = numpy.array([pp.offset for pp in a_ports])
-        b_offsets = numpy.array([pp.offset for pp in b_ports])
-        a_rotations = numpy.array([pp.rotation if pp.rotation is not None else 0 for pp in a_ports])
-        b_rotations = numpy.array([pp.rotation if pp.rotation is not None else 0 for pp in b_ports])
-        a_has_rot = numpy.array([pp.rotation is not None for pp in a_ports], dtype=bool)
-        b_has_rot = numpy.array([pp.rotation is not None for pp in b_ports], dtype=bool)
-        has_rot = a_has_rot & b_has_rot
-
-        if has_rot.any():
-            rotations = numpy.mod(a_rotations - b_rotations - pi, 2 * pi)
-            rotations[~has_rot] = rotations[has_rot][0]
-
-            if not numpy.allclose(rotations, 0):
-                rot_deg = numpy.rad2deg(rotations)
-                msg = 'Port orientations do not match:\n'
-                for nn, (k, v) in enumerate(connections.items()):
-                    if not numpy.isclose(rot_deg[nn], 0):
-                        msg += f'{k} | {rot_deg[nn]:g} | {v}\n'
-                raise PortError(msg)
-
-        translations = a_offsets - b_offsets
-        if not numpy.allclose(translations, 0):
-            msg = 'Port translations do not match:\n'
-            for nn, (k, v) in enumerate(connections.items()):
-                if not numpy.allclose(translations[nn], 0):
-                    msg += f'{k} | {translations[nn]} | {v}\n'
-            raise PortError(msg)
-
-        for pp in chain(a_names, b_names):
-            del self.ports[pp]
-        return self
-
     def check_ports(
             self,
             other_names: Iterable[str],
diff --git a/masque/ref.py b/masque/ref.py
index 9c9c519..d0b7dd4 100644
--- a/masque/ref.py
+++ b/masque/ref.py
@@ -2,15 +2,14 @@
  Ref provides basic support for nesting Pattern objects within each other.
  It carries offset, rotation, mirroring, and scaling data for each individual instance.
 """
-from typing import Mapping, TYPE_CHECKING, Self, Any
+from typing import Mapping, TYPE_CHECKING, Self
 import copy
-import functools
 
 import numpy
 from numpy import pi
 from numpy.typing import NDArray, ArrayLike
 
-from .utils import annotations_t, rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_eq, annotations_lt, rep2key
+from .utils import annotations_t, rotation_matrix_2d
 from .repetition import Repetition
 from .traits import (
     PositionableImpl, RotatableImpl, ScalableImpl,
@@ -22,7 +21,6 @@ if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from . import Pattern
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Ref(
         PositionableImpl, RotatableImpl, ScalableImpl, Mirrorable,
         PivotableImpl, Copyable, RepeatableImpl, AnnotatableImpl,
@@ -101,29 +99,6 @@ class Ref(
         #new.annotations = copy.deepcopy(self.annotations, memo)
         return new
 
-    def __lt__(self, other: 'Ref') -> bool:
-        if (self.offset != other.offset).any():
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.mirrored != other.mirrored:
-            return self.mirrored < other.mirrored
-        if self.rotation != other.rotation:
-            return self.rotation < other.rotation
-        if self.scale != other.scale:
-            return self.scale < other.scale
-        if self.repetition != other.repetition:
-            return rep2key(self.repetition) < rep2key(other.repetition)
-        return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and self.mirrored == other.mirrored
-            and self.rotation == other.rotation
-            and self.scale == other.scale
-            and self.repetition == other.repetition
-            and annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-            )
-
     def as_pattern(
             self,
             pattern: 'Pattern',
diff --git a/masque/repetition.py b/masque/repetition.py
index 5436c11..685d815 100644
--- a/masque/repetition.py
+++ b/masque/repetition.py
@@ -2,9 +2,8 @@
     Repetitions provide support for efficiently representing multiple identical
      instances of an object .
 """
-from typing import Any, Type, Self, TypeVar, cast
+from typing import Any, Type, Self, TypeVar
 import copy
-import functools
 from abc import ABCMeta, abstractmethod
 
 import numpy
@@ -18,7 +17,6 @@ from .utils import rotation_matrix_2d
 GG = TypeVar('GG', bound='Grid')
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Repetition(Copyable, Rotatable, Mirrorable, Scalable, Bounded, metaclass=ABCMeta):
     """
     Interface common to all objects which specify repetitions
@@ -33,14 +31,6 @@ class Repetition(Copyable, Rotatable, Mirrorable, Scalable, Bounded, metaclass=A
         """
         pass
 
-    @abstractmethod
-    def __le__(self, other: 'Repetition') -> bool:
-        pass
-
-    @abstractmethod
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        pass
-
 
 class Grid(Repetition):
     """
@@ -280,7 +270,7 @@ class Grid(Repetition):
         return (f'<Grid {self.a_count}x{self.b_count} ({self.a_vector}{bv})>')
 
     def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        if type(other) is not type(self):
+        if not isinstance(other, type(self)):
             return False
         if self.a_count != other.a_count or self.b_count != other.b_count:
             return False
@@ -294,24 +284,6 @@ class Grid(Repetition):
             return False
         return True
 
-    def __le__(self, other: Repetition) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            return repr(type(self)) < repr(type(other))
-        other = cast(Grid, other)
-        if self.a_count != other.a_count:
-            return self.a_count < other.a_count
-        if self.b_count != other.b_count:
-            return self.b_count < other.b_count
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.a_vector, other.a_vector):
-            return tuple(self.a_vector) < tuple(other.a_vector)
-        if self.b_vector is None:
-            return other.b_vector is not None
-        if other.b_vector is None:
-            return False
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.b_vector, other.b_vector):
-            return tuple(self.a_vector) < tuple(other.a_vector)
-        return False
-
 
 class Arbitrary(Repetition):
     """
@@ -353,23 +325,10 @@ class Arbitrary(Repetition):
         return (f'<Arbitrary {len(self.displacements)}pts >')
 
     def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        if not type(other) is not type(self):
+        if not isinstance(other, type(self)):
             return False
         return numpy.array_equal(self.displacements, other.displacements)
 
-    def __le__(self, other: Repetition) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            return repr(type(self)) < repr(type(other))
-        other = cast(Arbitrary, other)
-        if self.displacements.size != other.displacements.size:
-            return self.displacements.size < other.displacements.size
-
-        neq = (self.displacements != other.displacements)
-        if neq.any():
-            return self.displacements[neq][0] < other.displacements[neq][0]
-
-        return False
-
     def rotate(self, rotation: float) -> Self:
         """
         Rotate dispacements (around (0, 0))
diff --git a/masque/shapes/arc.py b/masque/shapes/arc.py
index aa171ed..b69d9b5 100644
--- a/masque/shapes/arc.py
+++ b/masque/shapes/arc.py
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
-from typing import Any, cast
+from typing import Any
 import copy
-import functools
 
 import numpy
 from numpy import pi
@@ -9,10 +8,9 @@ from numpy.typing import NDArray, ArrayLike
 from . import Shape, Polygon, normalized_shape_tuple, DEFAULT_POLY_NUM_VERTICES
 from ..error import PatternError
 from ..repetition import Repetition
-from ..utils import is_scalar, annotations_t, annotations_lt, annotations_eq, rep2key
+from ..utils import is_scalar, annotations_t
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Arc(Shape):
     """
     An elliptical arc, formed by cutting off an elliptical ring with two rays which exit from its
@@ -189,38 +187,6 @@ class Arc(Shape):
         new._annotations = copy.deepcopy(self._annotations)
         return new
 
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            type(self) is type(other)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.radii, other.radii)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.angles, other.angles)
-            and self.width == other.width
-            and self.rotation == other.rotation
-            and self.repetition == other.repetition
-            and annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-            )
-
-    def __lt__(self, other: Shape) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            if repr(type(self)) != repr(type(other)):
-                return repr(type(self)) < repr(type(other))
-            return id(type(self)) < id(type(other))
-        other = cast(Arc, other)
-        if self.width != other.width:
-            return self.width < other.width
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.radii, other.radii):
-            return tuple(self.radii) < tuple(other.radii)
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.angles, other.angles):
-            return tuple(self.angles) < tuple(other.angles)
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset):
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.rotation != other.rotation:
-            return self.rotation < other.rotation
-        if self.repetition != other.repetition:
-            return rep2key(self.repetition) < rep2key(other.repetition)
-        return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
     def to_polygons(
             self,
             num_vertices: int | None = DEFAULT_POLY_NUM_VERTICES,
diff --git a/masque/shapes/circle.py b/masque/shapes/circle.py
index 628f8b8..705c2d4 100644
--- a/masque/shapes/circle.py
+++ b/masque/shapes/circle.py
@@ -1,6 +1,4 @@
-from typing import Any, cast
 import copy
-import functools
 
 import numpy
 from numpy import pi
@@ -9,10 +7,9 @@ from numpy.typing import NDArray, ArrayLike
 from . import Shape, Polygon, normalized_shape_tuple, DEFAULT_POLY_NUM_VERTICES
 from ..error import PatternError
 from ..repetition import Repetition
-from ..utils import is_scalar, annotations_t, annotations_lt, annotations_eq, rep2key
+from ..utils import is_scalar, annotations_t
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Circle(Shape):
     """
     A circle, which has a position and radius.
@@ -70,29 +67,6 @@ class Circle(Shape):
         new._annotations = copy.deepcopy(self._annotations)
         return new
 
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            type(self) is type(other)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and self.radius == other.radius
-            and self.repetition == other.repetition
-            and annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-            )
-
-    def __lt__(self, other: Shape) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            if repr(type(self)) != repr(type(other)):
-                return repr(type(self)) < repr(type(other))
-            return id(type(self)) < id(type(other))
-        other = cast(Circle, other)
-        if not self.radius == other.radius:
-            return self.radius < other.radius
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset):
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.repetition != other.repetition:
-            return rep2key(self.repetition) < rep2key(other.repetition)
-        return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
     def to_polygons(
             self,
             num_vertices: int | None = DEFAULT_POLY_NUM_VERTICES,
diff --git a/masque/shapes/ellipse.py b/masque/shapes/ellipse.py
index 9c671d6..1062061 100644
--- a/masque/shapes/ellipse.py
+++ b/masque/shapes/ellipse.py
@@ -1,7 +1,6 @@
-from typing import Any, Self, cast
+from typing import Any, Self
 import copy
 import math
-import functools
 
 import numpy
 from numpy import pi
@@ -10,10 +9,9 @@ from numpy.typing import ArrayLike, NDArray
 from . import Shape, Polygon, normalized_shape_tuple, DEFAULT_POLY_NUM_VERTICES
 from ..error import PatternError
 from ..repetition import Repetition
-from ..utils import is_scalar, rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_t, annotations_lt, annotations_eq, rep2key
+from ..utils import is_scalar, rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_t
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Ellipse(Shape):
     """
     An ellipse, which has a position, two radii, and a rotation.
@@ -119,32 +117,6 @@ class Ellipse(Shape):
         new._annotations = copy.deepcopy(self._annotations)
         return new
 
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            type(self) is type(other)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.radii, other.radii)
-            and self.rotation == other.rotation
-            and self.repetition == other.repetition
-            and annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-            )
-
-    def __lt__(self, other: Shape) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            if repr(type(self)) != repr(type(other)):
-                return repr(type(self)) < repr(type(other))
-            return id(type(self)) < id(type(other))
-        other = cast(Ellipse, other)
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.radii, other.radii):
-            return tuple(self.radii) < tuple(other.radii)
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset):
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.rotation != other.rotation:
-            return self.rotation < other.rotation
-        if self.repetition != other.repetition:
-            return rep2key(self.repetition) < rep2key(other.repetition)
-        return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
     def to_polygons(
             self,
             num_vertices: int | None = DEFAULT_POLY_NUM_VERTICES,
diff --git a/masque/shapes/path.py b/masque/shapes/path.py
index d87286a..abb4973 100644
--- a/masque/shapes/path.py
+++ b/masque/shapes/path.py
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 from typing import Sequence, Any, cast
 import copy
-import functools
 from enum import Enum
 
 import numpy
@@ -10,11 +9,10 @@ from numpy.typing import NDArray, ArrayLike
 from . import Shape, normalized_shape_tuple, Polygon, Circle
 from ..error import PatternError
 from ..repetition import Repetition
-from ..utils import is_scalar, rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_lt, annotations_eq, rep2key
+from ..utils import is_scalar, rotation_matrix_2d
 from ..utils import remove_colinear_vertices, remove_duplicate_vertices, annotations_t
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class PathCap(Enum):
     Flush = 0       # Path ends at final vertices
     Circle = 1      # Path extends past final vertices with a semicircle of radius width/2
@@ -22,11 +20,7 @@ class PathCap(Enum):
     SquareCustom = 4  # Path extends past final vertices with a rectangle of length
 #                     #     defined by path.cap_extensions
 
-    def __lt__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return self.value == other.value
 
-
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Path(Shape):
     """
     A path, consisting of a bunch of vertices (Nx2 ndarray), a width, an end-cap shape,
@@ -207,40 +201,6 @@ class Path(Shape):
         new._annotations = copy.deepcopy(self._annotations)
         return new
 
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            type(self) is type(other)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.vertices, other.vertices)
-            and self.width == other.width
-            and self.cap == other.cap
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.cap_extensions, other.cap_extensions)        # type: ignore
-            and self.repetition == other.repetition
-            and annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-            )
-
-    def __lt__(self, other: Shape) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            if repr(type(self)) != repr(type(other)):
-                return repr(type(self)) < repr(type(other))
-            return id(type(self)) < id(type(other))
-        other = cast(Path, other)
-        if self.width != other.width:
-            return self.width < other.width
-        if self.cap != other.cap:
-            return self.cap < other.cap
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.cap_extensions, other.cap_extensions):        # type: ignore
-            if other.cap_extensions is None:
-                return False
-            if self.cap_extensions is None:
-                return True
-            return tuple(self.cap_extensions) < tuple(other.cap_extensions)
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset):
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.repetition != other.repetition:
-            return rep2key(self.repetition) < rep2key(other.repetition)
-        return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
     @staticmethod
     def travel(
             travel_pairs: Sequence[tuple[float, float]],
diff --git a/masque/shapes/polygon.py b/masque/shapes/polygon.py
index 144371b..ef1ba35 100644
--- a/masque/shapes/polygon.py
+++ b/masque/shapes/polygon.py
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
 from typing import Sequence, Any, cast
 import copy
-import functools
 
 import numpy
 from numpy import pi
@@ -9,11 +8,10 @@ from numpy.typing import NDArray, ArrayLike
 from . import Shape, normalized_shape_tuple
 from ..error import PatternError
 from ..repetition import Repetition
-from ..utils import is_scalar, rotation_matrix_2d, annotations_lt, annotations_eq, rep2key
+from ..utils import is_scalar, rotation_matrix_2d
 from ..utils import remove_colinear_vertices, remove_duplicate_vertices, annotations_t
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Polygon(Shape):
     """
     A polygon, consisting of a bunch of vertices (Nx2 ndarray) which specify an
@@ -115,35 +113,6 @@ class Polygon(Shape):
         new._annotations = copy.deepcopy(self._annotations)
         return new
 
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            type(self) is type(other)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.vertices, other.vertices)
-            and self.repetition == other.repetition
-            and annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-            )
-
-    def __lt__(self, other: Shape) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            if repr(type(self)) != repr(type(other)):
-                return repr(type(self)) < repr(type(other))
-            return id(type(self)) < id(type(other))
-        other = cast(Polygon, other)
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.vertices, other.vertices):
-            min_len = min(self.vertices.shape[0], other.vertices.shape[0])
-            eq_mask = self.vertices[:min_len] != other.vertices[:min_len]
-            eq_lt = self.vertices[:min_len] < other.vertices[:min_len]
-            eq_lt_masked = eq_lt[eq_mask]
-            if eq_lt_masked.size > 0:
-                return eq_lt_masked.flat[0]
-            return self.vertices.shape[0] < other.vertices.shape[0]
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset):
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.repetition != other.repetition:
-            return rep2key(self.repetition) < rep2key(other.repetition)
-        return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
     @staticmethod
     def square(
             side_length: float,
diff --git a/masque/shapes/shape.py b/masque/shapes/shape.py
index a1c4bcd..4263531 100644
--- a/masque/shapes/shape.py
+++ b/masque/shapes/shape.py
@@ -42,14 +42,6 @@ class Shape(PositionableImpl, Rotatable, Mirrorable, Copyable, Scalable,
     #
     # Methods (abstract)
     #
-    @abstractmethod
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        pass
-
-    @abstractmethod
-    def __lt__(self, other: 'Shape') -> bool:
-        pass
-
     @abstractmethod
     def to_polygons(
             self,
diff --git a/masque/shapes/text.py b/masque/shapes/text.py
index d19d6c5..017bdc1 100644
--- a/masque/shapes/text.py
+++ b/masque/shapes/text.py
@@ -1,6 +1,5 @@
-from typing import Self, Any, cast
+from typing import Self
 import copy
-import functools
 
 import numpy
 from numpy import pi, nan
@@ -10,14 +9,13 @@ from . import Shape, Polygon, normalized_shape_tuple
 from ..error import PatternError
 from ..repetition import Repetition
 from ..traits import RotatableImpl
-from ..utils import is_scalar, get_bit, annotations_t, annotations_lt, annotations_eq, rep2key
+from ..utils import is_scalar, get_bit, annotations_t
 
 # Loaded on use:
 # from freetype import Face
 # from matplotlib.path import Path
 
 
-@functools.total_ordering
 class Text(RotatableImpl, Shape):
     """
     Text (to be printed e.g. as a set of polygons).
@@ -98,38 +96,6 @@ class Text(RotatableImpl, Shape):
         new._annotations = copy.deepcopy(self._annotations)
         return new
 
-    def __eq__(self, other: Any) -> bool:
-        return (
-            type(self) is type(other)
-            and numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset)
-            and self.string == other.string
-            and self.height == other.height
-            and self.font_path == other.font_path
-            and self.rotation == other.rotation
-            and self.repetition == other.repetition
-            and annotations_eq(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-            )
-
-    def __lt__(self, other: Shape) -> bool:
-        if type(self) is not type(other):
-            if repr(type(self)) != repr(type(other)):
-                return repr(type(self)) < repr(type(other))
-            return id(type(self)) < id(type(other))
-        other = cast(Text, other)
-        if not self.height == other.height:
-            return self.height < other.height
-        if not self.string == other.string:
-            return self.string < other.string
-        if not self.font_path == other.font_path:
-            return self.font_path < other.font_path
-        if not numpy.array_equal(self.offset, other.offset):
-            return tuple(self.offset) < tuple(other.offset)
-        if self.rotation != other.rotation:
-            return self.rotation < other.rotation
-        if self.repetition != other.repetition:
-            return rep2key(self.repetition) < rep2key(other.repetition)
-        return annotations_lt(self.annotations, other.annotations)
-
     def to_polygons(
             self,
             num_vertices: int | None = None,      # unused
diff --git a/masque/utils/__init__.py b/masque/utils/__init__.py
index 571c406..f4a7805 100644
--- a/masque/utils/__init__.py
+++ b/masque/utils/__init__.py
@@ -12,7 +12,6 @@ from .vertices import (
     remove_duplicate_vertices, remove_colinear_vertices, poly_contains_points
     )
 from .transform import rotation_matrix_2d, normalize_mirror, rotate_offsets_around
-from .comparisons import annotation2key, annotations_lt, annotations_eq, layer2key, ports_lt, ports_eq, rep2key
 
 from . import ports2data
 
diff --git a/masque/utils/comparisons.py b/masque/utils/comparisons.py
deleted file mode 100644
index fe462b5..0000000
--- a/masque/utils/comparisons.py
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,106 +0,0 @@
-from typing import Any
-
-from .types import annotations_t, layer_t
-from ..ports import Port
-from ..repetition import Repetition
-
-
-def annotation2key(aaa: int | float | str) -> tuple[bool, Any]:
-    return (isinstance(aaa, str), aaa)
-
-
-def annotations_lt(aa: annotations_t, bb: annotations_t) -> bool:
-    if aa is None:
-        return bb is not None
-    elif bb is None:
-        return False
-
-    if len(aa) != len(bb):
-        return len(aa) < len(bb)
-
-    keys_a = tuple(sorted(aa.keys()))
-    keys_b = tuple(sorted(bb.keys()))
-    if keys_a != keys_b:
-        return keys_a < keys_b
-
-    for key in keys_a:
-        va = aa[key]
-        vb = bb[key]
-        if len(va) != len(vb):
-            return len(va) < len(vb)
-
-        for aaa, bbb in zip(va, vb):
-            if aaa != bbb:
-                return annotation2key(aaa) < annotation2key(bbb)
-    return False
-
-
-def annotations_eq(aa: annotations_t, bb: annotations_t) -> bool:
-    if aa is None:
-        return bb is None
-    elif bb is None:
-        return False
-
-    if len(aa) != len(bb):
-        return False
-
-    keys_a = tuple(sorted(aa.keys()))
-    keys_b = tuple(sorted(bb.keys()))
-    if keys_a != keys_b:
-        return keys_a < keys_b
-
-    for key in keys_a:
-        va = aa[key]
-        vb = bb[key]
-        if len(va) != len(vb):
-            return False
-
-        for aaa, bbb in zip(va, vb):
-            if aaa != bbb:
-                return False
-
-    return True
-
-
-def layer2key(layer: layer_t) -> tuple[bool, bool, Any]:
-    is_int = isinstance(layer, int)
-    is_str = isinstance(layer, str)
-    layer_tup = (layer) if (is_str or is_int) else layer
-    tup = (
-        is_str,
-        not is_int,
-        layer_tup,
-        )
-    return tup
-
-
-def rep2key(repetition: Repetition | None) -> tuple[bool, Repetition | None]:
-    return (repetition is None, repetition)
-
-
-def ports_eq(aa: dict[str, Port], bb: dict[str, Port]) -> bool:
-    if len(aa) != len(bb):
-        return False
-
-    keys = sorted(aa.keys())
-    if keys != sorted(bb.keys()):
-        return False
-
-    return all(aa[kk] == bb[kk] for kk in keys)
-
-
-def ports_lt(aa: dict[str, Port], bb: dict[str, Port]) -> bool:
-    if len(aa) != len(bb):
-        return len(aa) < len(bb)
-
-    aa_keys = tuple(sorted(aa.keys()))
-    bb_keys = tuple(sorted(bb.keys()))
-    if aa_keys != bb_keys:
-        return aa_keys < bb_keys
-
-    for key in aa_keys:
-        pa = aa[key]
-        pb = bb[key]
-        if pa != pb:
-            return pa < pb
-    return False