Alphabetically is finally a bad idea.
A js sort is also a bad idea (I was in fact talking about the config screen only - not all formeditionpanel)
So, now, could you first tell us how elements of the configuration formpanel are sorted : categories, groups and params.
I think params are sorted by "order" property in their group. I don't know how groups are sorted in categories. I don't know how categories are sorted.
Maybe somewhere there is a sort by i18n... but I'm not sure.
Depending on your response, we will decide how to sort. Please set as "Feedback required" when answered.
Ok. So let's translate and sort alphabetically in java before saxing.
When the safe mode will be ok, i18nutils will be available even when config is not complete.