I have figured out how to do a multi column sort in MC (B143) by using the sort modifier as shown here => sorting:[artist],[album],[filetype],[track #],[name]. I would like to use this in Media Library (and have) except that these rules and modifiers are SO FRAGILE in MC because they sit right on top and are easily destroyed (a weakness of MC's Smartlist's in general, IMO). Your first click into the search field highlights the whole string, and if you start typing...your rules/modifiers are blown away with no option to recover (if your in Media Library). This problem makes it a lot harder to find tracks fast via keywords (like typing in mazz to single out all the Mazzy Star tracks). I see this as an issue since there is no way to set default sorting via the Tree & View Settings like you can in MJ8.
Personally, I think that Smartlist rules/modifiers (aka criteria) should be setup like any of the following:
(A) Isolated...that is...criteria has it's own textbox below the searchbox.
(B) 1 level down (Out of the way and safe, searchbox is kept clean other than user entered search criteria) or hideable (displays criteria in searchbox when unhidden where it behaves exactly as it does now....while hidden, criteria is still fully functional but cannot be deleted, edited, or seen in the searchbox....Toggle would be Hide/Unhide option on wizard button menu).
(C) Lockable...by "locking" the criteria it still shows up in search box, but cannot be deleted, edited, or selected (appears as "greyed out"), yet still functions normally. Also when the searchbox is clicked on, the cursor moves to the end of the criteria string (if no user entered text exists) or highlights (selects) any and all user entered text. When unlocked, searchbox behaves as it does now. Toggle would be Lock/Unlock option on wizard button menu.
I prefer (C). Good protection yet you can still see the criteria easily.
10-27