if you just want to retrieve data in a command object, if the sql is compatible just write it. if you are selecting more than 1 table or something that won't fit in a union, then a command object is not going to work.
just my 2 cents...it is my belief that command objects were created/designed to retrieve data for parameters, not to retrieve data to drive a report off of...many people seem to like to drive the report off of the command object and then have issues with how CR handles the parameter input...
HTH