Is this not covered by this fix-

FIX: Error Message 7355 "..Inconsistent metadata for a column" Occurs When You Use a Linked Server (Q306401)

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q306401

You've wrapped it up nicely in ActX and no doubt it works great for you, but what about decent error information? I've been down this route but have converted to...