Hello Steve
You wrote :
A/ "assuming the pin order is indeed also a problem) "
'llI let others answer you about this point.
B/" then, second, LTspice doesn¡¯t have a problem with the .subckt statement
when it is invoked but does have a problem with it when it isn¡¯t "
I suppose that by "invoked" you mean to say "used" : For me? as soon as there is a not commented command .subckt 2SC6144SG, the subcircuit is invoked even if there is no instance of this part.
I don't agree with you : in both cases, as long as subckt 2SC6144SG is not commented, you have an error in subckt 2SC6144SG and LTspice don't want to run.
If you choose the option "select OK to continue....." results are not what you are looking for.
Morality : I avoid to paste subckt code inside a schematic.
Regards
PhB