Search by date

One thing you could try is adding the following

mod_date:[20090101 TO 2010101]

to the search URL (that example should pull only articles from 2009).

I also would like a sorting of the search result. By date at least.

FWIW, in the Advanced Search results, you can click on the first field under the "# Results" to the right of the page and select "Most Recent", like this:

You need to go to 'advanced' - mm - to me that is a peculiar attitude not to expose it at once.

I have to disagree with that... the initial "quick" search works similarly to the way other search engines work. Adding options adds complexity, which is why there are "quick" and "advanced" search options.

I have to disagree with that... the initial "quick" search works similarly to the way other search engines work. Adding options adds complexity, which is why there are "quick" and "advanced" search options.

yep - different attitude.
Many will disregard the advanced - expose it and more people will find it.