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If small-number first were allowed, the Z family would instead be; Z = 14/13/8, z = 24/23 14/9 and italic Z = 24/23 13/8. If we compare this paragraph to the previous one, we can see that the latter two plays have been unceremoniously demoted within the Z family. It is for such examples (which I would say are closer to rare than commonplace) that the high-number-first rule exists.
In other words, the purpose of the high-number-first rule is NOT to prevent different families from describing the same play; that's fine -- advantageous even. The purpose of the high-number-first rule is to prevent dilution (demotion). That is, if it were merely a matter of allowing Z as an alternative choice to D without affecting other members, then there would be no reason not to allow both D and Z and I wouldn't have bothered creating the high-number first rule; it would just be an extra little rule to occasionally remember without benefit.
As I've said before (momentarily putting aside the issue the counterpoint that the convenience clause gives beginning nactators an easier time relating S to Split for the simple opening plays, thereby making the break-in period friendlier), it is a reasonable and internally consistent argument that calling the opening play of 24/23 13/8 "Z" instead of "S" should either be preferred or mandatory. However, it is NOT analagous to the example diagrammed above (where 14/13/8 is 51D rather than 51Z). If opening 51 is played 24/23 13/8, choosing to call it S or Z dilutes neither the S or Z family.
Nack