>Jim,
>
>I think there is an other differences. I think strings elcosed in quotes are ignored by the complier, so define constants are not replaced, but strings enclosed in brackets can contain and be replaced by define constants.
>
SNIP

Hi Bob,

yes, this was the only reference I found in Hacker's, and in fact that is why I decided to ask, because *if* it had been designed specifically for that usage and had been found to operate otherwise (as observed) then I would have been leery.
But others have said that it's been this way for a long time, so I guess it is just one of those 'pick it up as you go along' things.

Thanks,

JimN