I do think the numerical order is mentioned somewhere - or at least was - I've always done it. I wouldn't think to do otherwise. I try to take the photos in order, so when I download them to crop they are ready to go. It doesn't always work out that way. Tonight, I had one place where I had to work around numerous customers. I got everything done but one pump. I got back in my car to stay warm, and waited...and waited....and waited. I realized the entire time I had been there, I never saw anybody at that vehicle. I went inside and asked the owner if that vehicle was broken down. It turns out it was his vehicle. He kindly moved it, so I could get that last pump photo.
To your point, it seems like that they are not using as many people from the big editing firm. It looks like (mostly) in-house, hence the new people. I had an editor a couple of weeks ago who gave me an 8. She stated she only gives a 10 if she has do no work on the report and if the photo is fully straight on and not at even a slight angle. I lost two points because I had a pump photo at about a 20-degree angle, which I noted in the comments was due to the glaring sun. I kept that e-mail, and next time the sun is an issue, I am taking the photo straight on and if they can't clearly see the pump, I'll remind them of what they told me.