Bob-
>I currently have VFP 6, and am starting a new project. Is there any compelling reason to upgrade to VFP7?

Yes, many!
See Re: Why use VFP7? Thread #676037 Message #676047
and Re: Should I upgrade to VFP7.0 Thread #625725 Message #625793
and A reason why you should upgrade Thread #651908 Message #651908
and Re: Why you need to upgrade NOW Thread #556772 Message #559433
and Re: Why you need to upgrade NOW Thread #556772 Message #557073
and I don't think any of these messages expressed the powerful enhancements (XML functions, etc...) that are being made to the language while maintaining compatibility with existing code.