Should a Sorcerer's abilities develop randomly? It's certainly valid, but you can still roleplay it that way.
The Sorcerer's abilties are developing randomly in the game, but behind the scenes it is the player who is choosing the abilities for him.
You can look at it either way.
---------------
Regarding the Monte Cook Sorcerer, I have my doubts, but I will have to see how it plays. I wouldn't mind playing one, myself. Looking at the spell list, I think you will probably get even more "Ray-Guns" Than you do with the PHB Sorcerer, especially when the "utility" spells come at one spell level higher now than the used to.
The new spells, as always, are top-notch, and I will look with interest at the spell songs.
And I just LOOOOOVE the Black Grail!