I felt, just like you expressed, that a public variable in a standard module should be recognized. Yes, I tried the variable with and without the module name but the only thing that is recognized in the InputParameters area on the data tab is Forms!formname.fieldname. In fact, a public variable defined in the Form itsself was not recognized. So, I ended up making 3 different sub forms all with the same logic but a different source for the InputParameter. This must be a bug in Access since it is way too restrictive and it doesn't make sense.
I have noticed the query grids in the Access Projects (adp) are limited in building SQL that can be inserted in a recordsource for a form. The SQL will work in the forms but will give syntax errors in the query grid.
Thank you,
Jerry