>>>This point is not mute (and it's not even moot). As long as you need to show it only why should you burden SQL-Server with unnecessary datatype conversion? To be precise the most consistent way would be bringing real fields only (w/out concatenation) and then show them in a grid in the most suitable way.
>>
>>Thanks, Ed. Especially for the "mute/moot" explanation :)
>
>Hopefully, I didn't offend you by the explanation. I know one Oracle board where this thing would cause a thunderstorm (actually caused).

Nope, you sure didn't. I was using the wrong word and I actually suspected it.

Thanks again.