[Modules] General questions regarding the "configuration flow" in modules

[Frank T. <f.t...@dk...>]

Dear all,

coming from the Linux shell and Linux commands and services, I am 
confused about the "configuration flow" in modules.  I am used to a 
clear hierarchy of configuration directives. They are normally applied 
in the order

   central configuration (file)
     -> user configuration (file)
       -> commandline parameters

Later directives (in most cases) have higher priority.  In modules the 
order (at least regarding $MODULEPATH, not sure about other 
configurations, though) seems different:

   user configuration (file)
     -> central configuration (file)
       -> commandline parameters

This comes unexpectedly when you are used to other tools.

First question: Did I maybe misunderstand module's configuration mechanism?

If not: Do you know what is/was the rationale to design the mechanism 
this way?  Of course after 30 years I'm not expecting this to change 
:-), but I would like to understand it

Cheers and thanks in advance, Frank