I'm confused. Is this a SQL Expression (a formula that gets passed to SQL) or the SQL Command Ojbect (a custom SQL query that CR uses to retrieve data). If this is a SQL Expression, then it's all wrong because you build an entire SQL statement here. But this would be perfect as a SQL Command Object.

A SQL Expression shouldn't have the SELECT clause in it. Crystal takes a SQL Expression and inserts it into the report's existing query. Thus, the SELECT is already there and the Expression is just another field to return.

I have extensive coverage about custom SQL queries, SQL Expressions and optimizing database access in Chapters 10 and 11 of my Encyclopedia book. You can find out more about my books at Amazon.com or reading the Crystal Reports eBooks online.