WorldDMT: I've done it that way because I see little point in specifying an ascii number when you can just put the actual character in the parameters. For example, say I have a variable called %text.#hawkee.hixxy, it's easier to use $vget(text.,$chan,.,$me) than it is to have to specify the ASCII number!
What if you wanted to use a comma? And wouldn't you think consistency is a good thing? for example, do we use $numtok(%string,.) ?