How to tell basecamp to route in the order I arrange the waypoints

It will also create the route in the order you select the waypoints, so no need to use 'naming conventions' etc, just select the first waypoint first, then second waypoint etc etc.

Frankly I'm not sure what "route optimization" is. I assume it's purpose is to reorganize an existing route using some criteria (shortest time, distance etc).

I create my routes manually--that is I use my brain for "route optimization" :) Computers (and GPS units are just small ones) just use some programmed algorithm to do this stuff. Pretty sure I can do a better job 99% of the time.

Agreed. I suspect its use is more aimed at those who are out doing some sort of deliveries and are just given a random list of addresses with no real idea of where they are. They can simply then input them and hit 'optimize route' :)

Ahhh. I've always assumed that UPS, Fed-Ex and others do that before they leave the depot. I guess "route optimization" might be useful for smaller operations. That said pizza deliverers seem to take forever but that's probably because most are teenagers.

I create my routes manually--that is I use my brain for "route optimization" :) Computers (and GPS units are just small ones) just use some programmed algorithm to do this stuff. Pretty sure I can do a better job 99% of the time.

Agreed! When I was delivering office furniture 35 years ago and away from base for 3 or 4 days for each trip, our routing system consisted of pushing pins into big maps all around the office wall then joining the pins up with elastic bands. We used different coloured pins for the different routes. The vehicles were then loaded in that sequence. Then for the "Route Optimization" part - the driver would set off and through experience would change some of the delivery sequence because of city centre unloading restrictions, office opening times, etc. Life was simple then - Happy Days ! ! !