Dictionary or Scripting.Dictionary. Binding Referencing Dim-ing. Sub routines and Function

Question 3

I think you have answered this yourself?

Question 3b

Also answered?

I will merely note that a function declaration such as this:

Function Dik( ) As Scripting.Dictionary

is functionally, if you'll excuse the pun, equivalent to this:

Dim Dik as Scripting.Dictionary

rather than this:

Dim Dik as New Scripting.Dictionary