I guess it's one of those questions that has not real answer. As mentioned previously, there is the "encyclopaedia" example for a long E. The condos we live in are named "Saebroc", pronounced Say-brahk. And then there is the long I, as well as many other non-English possibilities.

In the absence of any knowledge of original intentions, if there are any, I guess it will just have to be debated along with the number of angels that can dance on the head of a pin.



DG