Yep - there is no universal rule, of course.
If you get an intelligent loop switcher pedal (like one of the Gigrig creations) then you can mix and match at the press of a button.
My logic for compressor before synth pedal is to condition the sound for the pedal's input, but it does depend on the bass you are playing.
I also view the synth as a sound generator, not shaper; ie an instrument in itself, so that's why 'd put it near the start.
I wouldn't tend to put a distortion before the synth, because the synth would then have to track it and essentially strip the sound back to process it.
Different players may get a "sound" by juxtaposing the order, which is all part of the fun of it.
And yes, the pitchy things would be near the front in my model.