A generalization of Sims' conjecture for finite primitive groups and two point stabilizers in primitive groups (Q2068342)

\textit{C. C. Sims} conjectured in [Math. Z. 95, 76--86 (1967; Zbl 0244.20001)] that there is a universal function \(f\) on the positive integers, such that if \(G\) is a finite primitive group with a suborbit of length \(d>1\), then the point stabilisers all have cardinality at most \(f(d)\). The \textit{Sims conjecture} was eventually settled by \textit{P. J. Cameron} et al. [Bull. Lond. Math. Soc. 15, 499--506 (1983; Zbl 0536.20003)] using the Classification of Finite Simple Groups. In this paper, the author proposes a strengthening of the Sims conjecture: There is a function \(f\) on the positive integers, such that if \(G\) is a finite primitive group acting on \(\Omega\), and \(\alpha,\beta\in\Omega\), then either \begin{itemize} \item[(i)] \(G_\alpha\cap G_\beta\) has order at most \(f(|G_\alpha\cap G_\beta:G_\alpha^{+[1]}|)\), where \(G_\alpha^{+[1]}\) is the kernel of the action of \(G_\alpha\) on the out-neighbours of \(\alpha\) (in the orbital digraph given by \((\alpha,\beta)^G\)), or \item[(ii)] \(G\) is in a well-described and well-determined list of exceptions. \end{itemize} Moreover, the author proves (Proposition 3.1) that (i) holds for primitive groups containing a regular normal subgroup, and also establishes its veracity for primitive groups of simple diagonal type (Theorem 1.3). There is also some beautiful by-products of some pathological constructions, such as an answer to a question raised independently by Cameron and by Fomin in the Kourovka Notebook.