>This is why I do not use any modal forms -- too many problems. I also wanted the 'modal' forms to be specific to the current MDI form that it was called from and not to others. So modal would not work. All my forms are modeless.
>
> [...]

Thank you, Greg.

How this address the issue of using dockable forms with non-dockable forms?

Since docking a form involves VFP automatically setting a few relevant form properties, did you try your semi-modal forms and shadowbox control with dockable forms?