For the types of functions you're talking about (ie. functions that return multiple values, of different types) I see it slightly differently than you seem to: I see the need/use of out params as ...

, Frederick J. Dicamilla, Socio-Cognitive Functions of L1 Collaborative Interaction in the L2 Classroom, The Modern Language Journal, Vol. 83, No. 2 (Summer, 1999), pp. 233-247 ...