I still use free tables in my VFP apps though only if I think there is a possibility that I may want to access it with Fox DOS, however....stored procedures, triggers, referential integrity, enforced primary keys....mmmmmmmm! I love databases! :) and thai food!
I have found it is best to show my boss how something can benefit development time/data integrity/customer satisfaction/CTM/etc. I tried to explain to him about my efforts to create (and understand!) data objects but when I SHOWED him, he saw the power and potential.
---------
Single field, surrogate primary keys....because it's sexier!
Third normal form is more than just a good idea.