CARD C12 - R13: the two qsort comparators in their /Od shape (on top of finalA)
written: 2026-09-26 01:36:58 -0700 (BEFORE the compiles)

Observed: sort_statistic_buffer has an early `return -1;` plus a result local (mixed exits) and two value locals;
sort_statistic_buffer_ranking nests else-blocks around the same value locals.
Evidence D: /Od 0x5b6e00 and 0x5b6e60 have ONE frame slot (result = 0 at entry), a single exit, and read the fields
straight through the parameters (no value locals): sort_statistic_buffer = `if (a->score > b->score) result = -1;
else if (b->score > a->score) result = 1;`; ranking = one flat else-if chain custom/kills/deaths(inverted)/assists.
(single-exit law: January returns a result once at the bottom.)
Correction (R13a/R13b): keep the typed pointer locals (entry0/entry1), drop the value locals, write the /Od chains.
Prediction: VC7 /O2 already promotes the value locals to registers; the early return in (a) may be load-bearing
(block order). R13b likely byte-identical; R13a uncertain.
PREDICTION: R13b 180/180 (p 0.7); R13a 180/180 (p 0.5). Stance: adopt each only if 180/180 (rule 62); otherwise
keep and disclose (the /Od build is 2020 and may be rewritten).
