Yup, SASS could tell ya. Probably be OK with them, but then for advertising purposes it might be that they like to issue new numbers for new members. Advertisers like to see a big market kinda thing.
Egos do have something to do with that lower badge thing. I know plenty of folks that optioned for life memberships when the lower numbers for life was being offered. I think some have gotten lower number from other means too. I suppose things like that are important to some, but not most.
I have always looked at low numbers as those that have had fun longer than me is all. Some recent joiners are some of the finest folks we have in CAS. They have brought experience with firearms and the cowboy spirit to the game. I have seen newer pards with higher numbers jump in and write stages, help out where they can and do all sorts of great stuff for the game. Numbers don't mean a whole lot. I size up the pard wearing the badge, not the badge. Just my view of course. No numbers at all would have been a better way to have done it, but the number does identify the member for record keeping at least.
Say, I like the way W3G did their badges. Everyone has the same number, 1000, at least until there is a 1000 members. The difference is that you have your alias right there on the badge.