I found this defanition from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary on line:
Definition of FACE CORD. : a unit of wood cut for fuel equal to a stack 4 × 8 feet with lengths of pieces from about 12 to 16 inches.
My point is that a face cord is a shady (in my mind) selling wethod. From 1/4 Cord (12" length) to 1/3 Cord ( 16" length) to 1/2 Cord at 24" length.
The real issue is the folks who buy wood and don't really know what they are getting for the money they give. This is one of the main reasons I started to cut my own wood. I asked for a cord and got something that could very loosly be seen as between 3/4 and a full cord - but more toward the 3/4 cord end. I will admit at the time I was not smart enough to know what I should be getting.
AS for a RICK, I have seen 2X4X length of the cut wood. 4X4X length of the cut wood and 8X4X length of the cut wood. The difference was that you could see the wood in a rack and know how much you were getting for your money, before you paid.
Hal