Problem with ssh identies

[Bill Davidsen]

I am using the "command=" feature heavily as part of a backup system, which 
allows me to run commands on a remote server without allowing general function. 
I give the public key for a functionality to the server, add to authorized_keys, 
and can closely control the users. The key is chosen by use of the "-i" option 
to ssh.

All of this has been working nicely for several years.

However, it seems that ssh offers the default key *first* to the server, rather 
than the one specified on the command line. That's so bizarre I spent time 
checking that it really happened before asking here.

So the question is, how can I get ssh to offer the key I give it in the command 
line first? Preferably as the only key offered, actually, but definitely before 
the default key, which on several machines drops me into another application.

Is there some clever means or option I missed?

-- 
Bill Davidsen <davidsen at tmr.com>
   "We have more to fear from the bungling of the incompetent than from
the machinations of the wicked."  - from Slashdot