When a test routine is recursing its way, scalar by scalar, through a possibly unknown data structure -- such as during a deep compare -- it can't decide whether to use a numeric vs stringy test. There are no "intentions" to know, and no metastructure (occult or not) to consult. Fortunately, as bgreenlea showed in his or her reply, no "occult flags" are needed -- the bit-by-bit comparison does the trick.