[joshspankit]

I agree that layer is correct, though I understand where there might be some “intuition clash” with people who are used to the classic paradigm.

When each layer is a transparent sheet it has an absolute Z order that translates 1-1 with the physical thing it’s virtualizing (transparencies, probably from traditional animation).

However if you cut out tiny shapes and arrange them with some on top of others to make a larger composition, there is no longer an absolute Z order to any element because there are a bunch of smaller stacks of various heights.

The virtualization no longer translates to the physical world, and from my experience that disconnect can sour people against a new way of doing things, regardless of whether it’s better.