guarantee order of table valued function results

Question

PREMISE: The application code cannot be changed. The conditions are very specific. I am looking for something off the books, a last resort workaround if you

Answer 1

Is it just that you don't like the answer you are hearing? Truth is, order is only guaranteed with an order by clause. It's not an opinion, it is fact. There is no alternative if it is a guarantee you are looking for.