I respectfully disagree with your opinion about there not being a point in using XML over plain CSV data because you are ignoring the fact that XML messages can be checked for well-formedness and for syntax and content before the data is accepted into your database. Some of us don't like to crap up our production databases (something to do with job security). CSV on the other hand has no built-in means of validating data so you have to hardwire all edits and validations into your code.

I think you will find that you can't ever completely trust the person who is sending you the flat file to structure the file according to the proper business rules.

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I like chicken.

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