>all the stuff that gives it its good data capability does bring with it a lot of baggage ...

IMHO, it brings what it needs/requires. Nothing more. Codebook whether "vanilla" or the MM flavour uses Business Objects for data access. There isn't really a direct comparison to this in Codemine. So, doubtless, you are used to having much less done for you. However, if you create a COM type application from a Codemine CDE, the data methods allow you to script and control the data "on-the-fly" (particularly given the number of Codemine direct replacements for similar/same VFP functions). This capability gives you the same type of granular control over data away from a Codemine/Fox form. It work particularly well from a browser interface.

If you think this capability is "baggage", then we will have to agree to disagree <s>. I would call this rich and enhanced functionality.

Best