Delphi creates ActiveX components, but I have not tried to subclass one. I have subclassed an ActiveX component in VFP which is very impressive.

I like to point the BDE as the Holy Grail the Microsoft seeks. They seem to be moving to one database engine, yet Borland is already there. The BDE hits Fox 2x tables better than JET. And as far as C/S goes, everyone usually seeks a more direct approach to the SQL backend than ODBC, which VFP does not provide out the box as Borland's C/S products do...

Give Delphi a try. You need to step out the MS product line now and then for a fresh perspective. :)

Regards,
Jack