Daniel,

Since I didn't initially respond, but my name has been invoked here, please allow me to comment here.

Basically, I agree that there are no absolutes. However, there are what Jim referred to as "best practices". These cover a variety of things, such as coding, as well as database design and implementation. My rule is that, whenever possible, I follow these, unless there are significant reasons for doing otherwise. Naturally, one has to be aware of not only what the "best practices" are, but the implications "down the road" of not following them. Only when the analysis of the reasons and their implications has been done, can any conclusion be reached.