>>that being data-centric is most important

I used to agree with that. I've seen so many bad DB models driven by good UI layout only to have the nice layout...

The biggest thing is not to break the application(s).

There are retrofits to fix violations of first normal form (yes, comma-delimitted lists in a single field) that I've allowed...

The same caveat re: * applies to views & stored procedures. Yes, voice of experience.

In any code compiled in a SQL Server DB, one should not use *. ...