It's useless and inaccurate ... the main reason we are stuck with "ie" and "ei" is because of the Germanic origins of much of our language .... most grammatical rules are also hampered by the numerous exceptions, and exceptions to the exceptions .... I forget exactly who is to blame, probably Dr. Johnson and his crew, but the attempt to impose a Latinate grammar onto what is, basically, a Germanic lingo, had only limited success .... Next, we will deal with the moribund subjunctive
