> Now, *I* don't agree with VB as a compiler.  I would much rather have it
compile
> to an EXE which doesn't need a run time dll.  It is atrocious!  However, a
good
> basic compiler will compile as efficiently as a C compiler for the same
program
> (give or take 5%).

Yep, this is very true!
A good basic compiler will be as efficient (or more) than a c-compiler.
If you don't believe me check out pb-dll (www.powerbasic.com).
This is a real nice basic-compiler that has great speed, true exe-files,...

I just love basic and I'm proud of it ;-)   (maybe I am just to stupid to
program in C)