What about this output?

sort -k1 input > out

009    2919
009    3107
0.0     9312
00a    3294
00A    3389
00a    3484
00A    3578
00a     3670
00A    4142
00b    4236
00B    4332
00b    4801

This is no sorting. It is random garbage. Since when 00a < 00B? This utility used to work fine in earlier distributions, until you broke it down.

Please return to previous lexicographic mode and cut the "cute" things.

Nikos