Hi Larry,
I use views the way you describe and do not have problems (I even have views based on views).

When you open a parameterized view you don't have to have the source table open. It will be opened automaticaly, provided the table is in the search path. If you of open it yourself (or add it to DE) you have more control (like assigning an alias, etc.)

If the view asks for a parameter that means you don't have a variable in scope with the name of the parameter.