RE: Hook doesn't run as expected, if buffer mode is set from major-mode

[Drew Adams]

> If the major mode of a new buffer is determined by the variable
> major-mode (nothing from auto-mode-alist et. al matches), then the hooks
> of that major mode doesn't run, as I expect.

`major-mode' is a buffer-local variable.
It is set by the newly current major mode.
IOW, you cannot use it to set the mode, as the mode sets it.