I recently flew with a guy that works in R&I and he said that the problem with the VEBA was that it was poorly packaged when proposed. He also said he believed it was a very good way to shelter/protect your money. Now I know you already have your mind made up about it, and that it is the worst thing since Saddam Hussein, but he made a very convincing argument and he is a very apolitical person. tifwiw.