>>>>Yes, you should avoid using VARTYPE() if variable/property may not exists.
>>>
>>>Vartype() can return 'U'. So when is it proper to use Vartype() and have it return 'U'?
>>
>>Never.
>
>Really? Never use vartype() to check for the existance of an object?

No, don't use VARTYPE() to check for properties on an object that you don't know for sure exists. Besides, that's what PEMSTATUS() is for, once you know the object exists or not.