Why are XPath operators case sensitive?

Question

I'm sure there is a reason for this, but: Why are XPath operators case sensitive?

This is not about solving an XPath problem (we're already working around that) - I'd just like to know why I have to bother!

Answer 1

I think most modern languages are case-sensitive. Clearly it made sense for XPath to follow XML. One reason for XML to be case-sensitive is that case-folding can be quite a complex business when you extend beyond the English alphabet: for example the upper-case of ß is SS but the lower-case of SS is ss. So are Straße and Strasse the same element name?