how about a simple command that just returns something that is in all the records...something easily queried and group 1 and group 2 values. Then use this as the 'master' table to link to the rest of the values (outer joins...so nulls are allowed).

Lastly, do a test for if the value is null...and display or suppress your message appropriately.

Personally, I would like a view/stored proc, but that not being available, this seems like the next best idea. I am assuming that you are joining straight to the tables in the database, so the command doesn't need any parameters...

On the flip side, if it is only 8 tables, the sql can't be that difficult to create the entire query...

just some thoughts.