John:

I spent 2 years developing in Delphi 1.0 (16 bit) and before I took a position developing in VFP. Hands down, Delphi is a better development tool. Components to do most any specialized task you need, or roll your own. Most component come wiht source code that is reasonably well written and commented. Delphi 1.0 was compiled. Most syntax and variable references were checked BEFORE your run the App. VB 5.0 finally got to compiled code. No runtimes required. Several different REAL editors are available (Brief, Multi-Edit, Wordstar). The VB and VFP editors are basically Microsoft Word.

The table access (BDE) creates some problems, but there are MANY 3rd party tools that can be used in it's place.

If you think that it's hard to get paid writing in VFP, try Delphi. Lots of developers outside of the USA, but Inprise (Borland) IS fair game for the old IBM (and now M$) FUD charges. (Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt).

All things considered, IMHO, VFP is head and shoulders about VB 5.0 (don't know about 6.0). I've written business apps, mostly accounting types since 1984, and with a good method of storing data, a development tool is much use to me.

Regards,
Mike