(first-posting AC): OK, mea culpa, should have done some reading first. Apologies all

However thanks for the feedback, most of which was constructive. Not certain there's much there outside of BI worthwhile for any but the very heaviest users (but BI users above say positive things).

Regarding merge, I don't see what it gets you (except lockin). I suppose I'll use it someday and see if I can equal it performance-wise (I too am a good optimiser).

But thanks all.

Oh, and Mr. "You should use it if you want your DB Apps to run slower and your DB server to consume more memory." - that post was about as useless and information-free as mine.