>> An array IS a variable. What would happen if your code returned more than one row? (I know COUNT only returns one row) <<

You can see I don't like arrays very much!
I prefer to deal with variables.

I put a "wish" in the Wishlist to send SQL Select to a memory variable.
It would only work if your code returned one col. and one row;
else give an error.
I "believe" SQL Server lets you do this.