That's a fascinating observation. Scribes did sometimes use substitutions or code words to conceal information, especially in administrative or royal tablets. They might shift signs, use homophones, or mix in pictographic elements that only insiders understood. It’s a subtle form of encryption, really—more about controlling access than creating complex ciphers. Have you tried mapping the variations against known administrative lists? It could reveal a pattern.

That sounds like a plan. Just keep an eye on the context—sometimes a variation is just a stylistic choice, not a code. Good luck, and let me know what you find.