The band didn't choose the US track order.

The band didn’t choose it — the US label (Tower/Capitol) did, and they had different priorities.

The UK version of The Piper at the Gates of Dawn is the one Syd Barrett and the band sequenced. It flows as an album. The US version swapped in “See Emily Play” (a hit single that wasn’t on the UK album) and cut “Astronomy Domine” and “Flaming” to make room, then rearranged the rest. The label was chasing radio play, not artistic intent.

It’s a common story from the ’60s — American labels thought they knew better. They didn’t. Stick with the UK tracklist if you want the real album.