the reason is that  `Number ` was suppose to be that function, but it is not doing what it's supposed to. I think it's a good abstraction because you would think a language has its way to convert strings to numbers - but because  `Number("")` is  `0` we "suffer" from some kind of a hack we have to do.

regardless, I see the point of what you said, because it is the `_convert` function of joi Number :smile:  
anyway - if you want to I will fix it