The answer to your first question is in your last paragraph. CSV is an abysmal format for data exchange because the standards are weak and implementations are e

The answer to your first question is in your last paragraph. CSV is an abysmal format for data exchange because the standards are weak and implementations are extremely varied. If you're writing an (en|de)coder for a specific or limited target, then sure it's fine. Otherwise I would steer clear of it.