>Actually - there was a long discussion involving Celko and he did admit meaningless keys are completely acceptable. The dictionary definition of keys says it can be meaningful, but that's no "rule". However the instant you start cascading the key you are far better off with meaningless. I don't particularly care what the "fathers" of the relational database meant "back then". The inventor of the wheel has no impact on the modern automotive tire.

Could you, please, tame your quotes. I'm still baffled trying to find a second meaning of 'back then'.