>>That is where your idea is basically lacking. You think CTEs are constrained to MS SQL Server and I said before it is in ANSI SQL, not specific to MS SQL Server, and actually there are deviations between implementations.
>>
>For me embolded part is the strongest reason to hesitate on using CTEs.
>Whenever code repetitions occur, measures should be taken to make code DRY again.
>My mental picture of CTE is an analogue of breaking common code out of a long function into a subroutine, but in the SQL/database context - where benefits and drawbacks exist, but benefits usually are greater. Knowing that different backends might show drastic differences in optimizer results is a drawback. In a few years optimizers generate comparable query times, but IMO not today.
>
>But Walter already acknowledged benefit in recursive/reusing queries - So much of the argument is based on things in the eye of the beholder. I will not get into an argument on beauty ;-)

You are right it was a nonsense argument, putting a lot of constraints and then saying "look now less readable" :)