oh, it's supposed to be a MR#.............. whenever I see "001" I instantly think of it as the country code for calling the US...............

that being said, my 9-digit MR acc't, held for roughly 10-yrs (since I was kinda required to stay at client props while working for another 5* brand), starts out with a "9" while my wifes 9-digit MR acc't, which started this year, starts out with a "1" so lower numbers do not equal longevity as put forward in your post...........