Mike,

>>It's a different story if we build the app IMO though. We're building the back end and the various front ends and the connector(s).
>
>Right, so we're basically discussing two differnt things here. But we just disagree in the third party WS model (you said "never ever", so the odds are in my favor *g*).

*chuckle*

Except that I give myself the edge I'd think. Whilst you are scrambling to find a new web service (in our imaginary scenario) for your clients and dealing with them yelling at you for the sudden lack of a vital part of their business that now no longer exists I will be merrily trudging along... <g>

Sometimes the turtle really does win. <g>

Time will tell but I think that we are experiencing the validity of the old adage. "Age and guile will always beat youth and energy." <g>