Thank you for providing the schema you have.

I have no issues in the principles you are addressing.

My only concern is how the structure (on the ground sequence if you like) will endure.

The structure / sequence is geographical.  If taking, say, a week going from west to east, the walker would normally pass through Tonawanada, Amherst, Lockport and possibly stop at Rochester.

An issue I can forsee is ensuring these sections stay in sequence when reviewed in, say, WayMarkedTrails (or whatever).

My interest in the Empire State Trails was as a way to arrive at a relatives home in Kinston, Ontario.  Jumping of a plane in/near New York City, getting to The Battery, ending at the border and making a way to Ottawa and walking the Rideau to her place had a great appeal, in principle.  My first issue was making sense of the various segments.  There was no sequence to the presenation, sections started and stopped it was impossible to make a plan. Sure, there was a line on the page but ...

I understand the points you have made.

Rgretably, from what I can see at a distance, the only consistent information on the ground is the Empire State Trails rondel.  

If, together, we can have stuff available in order.

A suggestion is:
I will implement the schema you have presented for Tiers 1, 2 and 3.  For tier 4, where most of the work is, I will implement for the first 8 - Buffalo State Park to Rochester.
At the end of August we review, with a focus on the west to east hiking sequence (and not alphabetical order).

In summary, I think we are both agreed in principle but have different experiences (mapping and walking/cycling) that influence the way we move ahead.

Kind regards