Here's a sample code demonstrating how to use parameter object.

loParam = Createobject("custom")
loParam.Addproperty("aReturnValues[1]", null)
loParam.Addproperty("cSample", lcSample)
...
loParam.Addproperty("cProcess", lcProcess)

DO FORM AddSamp WITH loParam 
lnNoSelected = ALEN(loParam.aReturnValues)
...
...

* AddSamp Init 
LPARAMETERS toParamObj
This.oParamObj = toParamObj  && save to form property for use in the form

* Somewhere in the form's method
...
arrayIndex = 1
DIMENSION Thisform.oParamObj.aReturnValues[nNoSelected]

FOR i = 1 TO thisform.samplist.ListCount
  IF thisform.sampList.Selected(i)
    Thisform.oParamObj.aReturnValues[arrayIndex ] = ;
            alltrim(str(thisform.CancelOk)) + "|" + ;
            alltrim(thisform.samplist.List(i)) + "|"            + ;
            alltrim(str(thisform.lnReps)) + "|" + ;
            alltrim(str(thisform.lnPackages))
    arrayIndex = arrayIndex + 1
  ENDIF
ENDFOR
...

* AddSamp Destroy
Thisform.oParamObj = Null   && Release reference to the parameter object

In the second case run form using NAME clause

do form AddSamp with lcSample, lnReps, lnPackages, 3, lcProcess NAME loAddSamp LINKED 
? loAddSam.aReturnValues[1]
...
loAddSam.Release()

>>You can return values this way from the Init only because parameters as
>> scoped to the Init. You've a couple of options here:
>>1. Create parameter object with an array property and pass it instead of array.
>
>But is it still lost, after the Init? From my tests, the reference to the array property is lost after Init.
>
>>2. Make returnarray a property of the form and instead of releasing form just hide it, copy that array to your local array and them release form.
>
>How would I access that hidden form (AddSample) from the calling object? Just issue the return function from within AddSample, then within the calling object AddSample.returnarray to access that property? and then just do AddSample.release() ?
>
>This 2nd option seems like the only way to do it...
>
>thanks for your help, thus far, it has been invaluable.
>matt