Are merges suggested not supposed to be merged into the lowest profile number?

Question

I am running across an increasing number of proposed merges form the lower profile number into the higher profile number. Should a merge not be into the lowest profile number? Why do so many people not have to go by the rules and regs? A current example follows (may have been merged correctly by someone else):

 (Merged Galey-36 into Gailey-51: Children and Father have name of Gailey) 

Comments

The most important thing is the correct LNAB.  In your example there are two different spellings of the LNAB.  When both LNABs are exact the software won't allow a merge into a higher number.  Hope that helps.  Good luck!

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I have found merges that should take place between some of my people in GEDcom and "Private" in the profiles.  I made the mistake of adding a new profile on one occasion.  When I proposed the merge, the system would not allow me to merge into the lower number.  I learned it will do that if the other profile manager completes the merge.  

I am new to the styles and doing research so that I don't create a mess.  I've found it is best to as the question on G2G when the computer won't allow the correct merge.

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Can you give the Wikitree-ID of such a profile?

Answer 1

Hi Carolyn, A merge should be completed into the lowest numbered profile with the correct Last Name At Birth (LNAB). In the case of Galey-36 and Gailey-51, the LNABs are different. Whoever completed the merge apparently decided that Gailey was the correct LNAB. So, the profile number is only considered when the LNAB are exactly the same. 

Answer 2

I find when I get a merge in my email & it merges it into the larger number I’ll redo the merge the correct way. It’ll still go through because it still merging the same two profiles.