diff --git a/harbour/ChangeLog b/harbour/ChangeLog
index 3b112154df..9d1944eed6 100644
--- a/harbour/ChangeLog
+++ b/harbour/ChangeLog
@@ -1,3 +1,49 @@
+2000-07-25 00:23 UTC+0100 Victor Szakats <info@szelvesz.hu>
+
+   * source/rtl/abs.c
+   * source/rtl/at.c
+   * source/rtl/chrasc.c
+   * source/rtl/datec.c
+   * source/rtl/dateshb.c
+   * source/rtl/dir.c
+   * source/rtl/do.c
+   * source/rtl/idle.c
+   * source/rtl/left.c
+   * source/rtl/len.c
+   * source/rtl/math.c
+   * source/rtl/minmax.c
+   * source/rtl/mod.c
+   * source/rtl/replic.c
+   * source/rtl/round.c
+   * source/rtl/setkey.c
+   * source/rtl/space.c
+   * source/rtl/str.c
+   * source/rtl/strcase.c
+   * source/rtl/strtran.c
+   * source/rtl/strzero.c
+   * source/rtl/substr.c
+   * source/rtl/transfrm.c
+   * source/rtl/trim.c
+   * source/rtl/type.c
+   * source/rtl/val.c
+   * source/vm/arrayshb.c
+   * source/vm/classes.c
+   * source/vm/debug.c
+   * source/vm/eval.c
+   * source/vm/hvm.c
+   * source/vm/memvars.c
+   * source/vm/runner.c
+     % This construct:
+       hb_itemReturn( x );
+       hb_itemRelease/Clear( x );
+       converted to this smaller and faster one:
+       hb_itemRelease/Clear( hb_itemReturn( x ) );
+
+       Actually the speed increase and binary size decrease is almost zero, 
+       but the source code is more compact. This snippet is mostly found in 
+       error runtime error branches.
+       Some local variables could be eliminated this way.
+
 20000724-22:45 GMT+2 Maurilio Longo <maurilio.longo@libero.it>
 
    + contrib/mysql
diff --git a/harbour/source/rdd/dbcmd.c b/harbour/source/rdd/dbcmd.c
index 75e10bb568..44e67ca539 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rdd/dbcmd.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rdd/dbcmd.c
@@ -2279,8 +2279,7 @@ HB_FUNC( DBRLOCKLIST )
    else
       hb_errRT_DBCMD( EG_NOTABLE, 2001, NULL, "DBRLOCKLIST" );
 
-   hb_itemReturn( pList );
-   hb_itemRelease( pList );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pList ) );
 }
 
 HB_FUNC( DBRUNLOCK )
@@ -2706,8 +2705,7 @@ HB_FUNC( FIELDGET )
    if( s_pCurrArea && uiField )
       SELF_GETVALUE( ( AREAP ) s_pCurrArea->pArea, uiField, pItem );
 
-   hb_itemReturn( pItem );
-   hb_itemRelease( pItem );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pItem ) );
 }
 
 HB_FUNC( FIELDNAME )
@@ -2774,7 +2772,6 @@ HB_FUNC( FIELDPUT )
       if( SELF_PUTVALUE( ( AREAP ) s_pCurrArea->pArea, uiIndex, pItem ) == SUCCESS )
       {
          hb_itemReturn( pItem );
-         return;
       }
    }
 }
@@ -2815,8 +2812,7 @@ HB_FUNC( HEADER )
 
       pRecSize = hb_itemNew( NULL );
       SELF_INFO( ( AREAP ) s_pCurrArea->pArea, DBI_GETHEADERSIZE, pRecSize );
-      hb_itemReturn( pRecSize );
-      hb_itemRelease( pRecSize );
+      hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pRecSize ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -3301,8 +3297,7 @@ HB_FUNC( RECNO )
    pRecNo = hb_itemPutNL( NULL, 0 );
    if( s_pCurrArea )
       SELF_RECNO( ( AREAP ) s_pCurrArea->pArea, pRecNo );
-   hb_itemReturn( pRecNo );
-   hb_itemRelease( pRecNo );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pRecNo ) );
 }
 
 HB_FUNC( RECSIZE )
@@ -3313,8 +3308,7 @@ HB_FUNC( RECSIZE )
 
       pRecSize = hb_itemNew( NULL );
       SELF_INFO( ( AREAP ) s_pCurrArea->pArea, DBI_GETRECSIZE, pRecSize );
-      hb_itemReturn( pRecSize );
-      hb_itemRelease( pRecSize );
+      hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pRecSize ) );
    }
    else
       hb_retni( 0 );
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/abs.c b/harbour/source/rtl/abs.c
index f5ddffeac6..5173f64064 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/abs.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/abs.c
@@ -78,10 +78,7 @@ HB_FUNC( ABS )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1089, NULL, "ABS" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/at.c b/harbour/source/rtl/at.c
index c9be9646d5..9710fc99e7 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/at.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/at.c
@@ -54,10 +54,7 @@ HB_FUNC( AT )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1108, NULL, "AT" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/chrasc.c b/harbour/source/rtl/chrasc.c
index e9a9db1ee4..2ff6590ec6 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/chrasc.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/chrasc.c
@@ -62,10 +62,7 @@ HB_FUNC( CHR )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1104, NULL, "CHR" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -86,10 +83,7 @@ HB_FUNC( ASC )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1107, NULL, "ASC" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/datec.c b/harbour/source/rtl/datec.c
index b9fbf1516d..daf4b63ee9 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/datec.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/datec.c
@@ -69,10 +69,7 @@ HB_FUNC( CMONTH )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1116, NULL, "CMONTH" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -99,10 +96,7 @@ HB_FUNC( CDOW )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1117, NULL, "CDOW" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/dateshb.c b/harbour/source/rtl/dateshb.c
index 7c58f2dca9..1999b8c0ad 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/dateshb.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/dateshb.c
@@ -162,10 +162,7 @@ HB_FUNC( CTOD )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1119, NULL, "CTOD" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -183,10 +180,7 @@ HB_FUNC( DTOC )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1118, NULL, "DTOC" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -203,10 +197,7 @@ HB_FUNC( DTOS )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1120, NULL, "DTOS" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -234,10 +225,7 @@ HB_FUNC( YEAR )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1112, NULL, "YEAR" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -258,10 +246,7 @@ HB_FUNC( MONTH )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1113, NULL, "MONTH" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -282,10 +267,7 @@ HB_FUNC( DAY )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1114, NULL, "DAY" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -327,10 +309,7 @@ HB_FUNC( DOW )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1115, NULL, "DOW" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/dir.c b/harbour/source/rtl/dir.c
index 6ca985c901..60cc6f1f0e 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/dir.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/dir.c
@@ -537,8 +537,7 @@ HB_FUNC( DIRECTORY )
    {
       HB_TRACE(HB_TR_INFO, ("invalid dirname |%s|\n", dirname));
 
-      hb_itemReturn( pDir );
-      hb_itemRelease( pDir );
+      hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pDir ) );
       return;
    }
 
@@ -717,8 +716,7 @@ HB_FUNC( DIRECTORY )
 
    HB_TRACE(HB_TR_INFO, ("normal return\n"));
 
-   hb_itemReturn( pDir ); /* DIRECTORY() returns an array */
-   hb_itemRelease( pDir );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pDir ) ); /* DIRECTORY() returns an array */
 
 #endif /* HAVE_POSIX_IO */
 }
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/do.c b/harbour/source/rtl/do.c
index e4698a96d4..20a8a953d2 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/do.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/do.c
@@ -89,10 +89,7 @@ HB_FUNC( DO )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 3012, NULL, "DO" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/idle.c b/harbour/source/rtl/idle.c
index 7e30d24240..05e6653070 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/idle.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/idle.c
@@ -187,8 +187,7 @@ HB_FUNC( HB_IDLEDEL )
          if( ulID == ( ULONG ) pItem->item.asBlock.value )
          {
              hb_gcUnlockItem( pItem );
-             hb_itemReturn( pItem );    /* return a codeblock */
-             hb_itemClear( pItem );
+             hb_itemClear( hb_itemReturn( pItem ) ); /* return a codeblock */
           
              --s_uiIdleMaxTask;
              if( s_uiIdleMaxTask )
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/left.c b/harbour/source/rtl/left.c
index 95ba0763b4..58a8f77ab1 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/left.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/left.c
@@ -59,10 +59,7 @@ HB_FUNC( LEFT )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1124, NULL, "LEFT" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/len.c b/harbour/source/rtl/len.c
index 447f4ab60f..cbfd58e3f7 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/len.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/len.c
@@ -63,9 +63,6 @@ HB_FUNC( LEN )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1111, NULL, "LEN" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/math.c b/harbour/source/rtl/math.c
index d6bcc6e35c..15501337b7 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/math.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/math.c
@@ -121,10 +121,7 @@ HB_FUNC( EXP )
          s_internal_math_error = 0;
 
          if( pResult )
-         {
-            hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-            hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-         }
+            hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
       }
       else
          hb_retnd( dResult );
@@ -137,10 +134,7 @@ HB_FUNC( EXP )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1096, NULL, "EXP" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -158,10 +152,7 @@ HB_FUNC( LOG )
          s_internal_math_error = 0;
 
          if( pResult )
-         {
-            hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-            hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-         }
+            hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
       }
       else
          hb_retnd( dResult );
@@ -180,10 +171,7 @@ HB_FUNC( LOG )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1095, NULL, "LOG" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -201,10 +189,7 @@ HB_FUNC( SQRT )
          s_internal_math_error = 0;
 
          if( pResult )
-         {
-            hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-            hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-         }
+            hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
       }
       else
          hb_retnd( dResult );
@@ -219,10 +204,7 @@ HB_FUNC( SQRT )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1097, NULL, "SQRT" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/minmax.c b/harbour/source/rtl/minmax.c
index 96c3f05f61..043961f4ff 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/minmax.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/minmax.c
@@ -90,10 +90,7 @@ HB_FUNC( MAX )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1093, NULL, "MAX" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -150,10 +147,7 @@ HB_FUNC( MIN )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1092, NULL, "MIN" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/mod.c b/harbour/source/rtl/mod.c
index 9d8f60e2aa..f0143d8538 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/mod.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/mod.c
@@ -86,10 +86,7 @@ HB_FUNC( MOD )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1085, NULL, "%" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/replic.c b/harbour/source/rtl/replic.c
index 5a801544a6..4871edb8d8 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/replic.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/replic.c
@@ -70,10 +70,7 @@ HB_FUNC( REPLICATE )
             PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_STROVERFLOW, 1234, NULL, "REPLICATE" );
 
             if( pResult )
-            {
-               hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-               hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-            }
+               hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
          }
       }
       else
@@ -84,10 +81,7 @@ HB_FUNC( REPLICATE )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1106, NULL, "REPLICATE" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/round.c b/harbour/source/rtl/round.c
index 7a0d511851..e47d3bf6fa 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/round.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/round.c
@@ -68,10 +68,7 @@ HB_FUNC( INT )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1090, NULL, "INT" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -128,9 +125,6 @@ HB_FUNC( ROUND )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1094, NULL, "ROUND" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/setkey.c b/harbour/source/rtl/setkey.c
index 25777aee8e..656108c34c 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/setkey.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/setkey.c
@@ -189,9 +189,7 @@ HB_FUNC( SETKEY )
             if( pIsActiveResults == NULL || ! HB_IS_LOGICAL( pIsActiveResults ) || hb_itemGetL( pIsActiveResults ) )
             {
 #endif
-               PHB_ITEM pAction = hb_itemNew( sk_list_tmp->pAction );
-               hb_itemReturn( pAction );
-               hb_itemRelease( pAction );
+               hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( hb_itemNew( sk_list_tmp->pAction ) ) );
 #if defined( HB_EXTENSION )
             }
 #endif
@@ -298,8 +296,7 @@ HB_FUNC( HB_SETKEYSAVE )
       hb_itemRelease( pKeyElements );
    }
 
-   hb_itemReturn( pKeys );
-   hb_itemRelease( pKeys );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pKeys ) );
 
    pParam = hb_param( 1, HB_IT_ANY );
    if( pParam )
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/space.c b/harbour/source/rtl/space.c
index 2186da7889..28d4aa878f 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/space.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/space.c
@@ -66,9 +66,6 @@ HB_FUNC( SPACE )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1105, NULL, "SPACE" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/str.c b/harbour/source/rtl/str.c
index fd50283fe9..7d00e01263 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/str.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/str.c
@@ -82,10 +82,7 @@ HB_FUNC( STR )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1099, NULL, "STR" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/strcase.c b/harbour/source/rtl/strcase.c
index 083a3b92c1..aa9338f9be 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/strcase.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/strcase.c
@@ -101,10 +101,7 @@ HB_FUNC( LOWER )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1103, NULL, "LOWER" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -127,9 +124,6 @@ HB_FUNC( UPPER )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1102, NULL, "UPPER" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/strtran.c b/harbour/source/rtl/strtran.c
index 205ab53665..0c635b86c7 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/strtran.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/strtran.c
@@ -177,10 +177,7 @@ HB_FUNC( STRTRAN )
          PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1126, NULL, "STRTRAN" ); /* NOTE: Undocumented but existing Clipper Run-time error [vszakats] */
 
          if( pResult )
-         {
-            hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-            hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-         }
+            hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
       }
    }
    else
@@ -188,10 +185,7 @@ HB_FUNC( STRTRAN )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1126, NULL, "STRTRAN" ); /* NOTE: Undocumented but existing Clipper Run-time error [vszakats] */
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/strzero.c b/harbour/source/rtl/strzero.c
index 3d361e3088..a42f81ea54 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/strzero.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/strzero.c
@@ -117,10 +117,7 @@ HB_FUNC( STRZERO )
 #endif
 
          if( pResult )
-         {
-            hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-            hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-         }
+            hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
       }
    }
 }
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/substr.c b/harbour/source/rtl/substr.c
index 19aac7f45c..890cb218b1 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/substr.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/substr.c
@@ -76,10 +76,7 @@ HB_FUNC( SUBSTR )
                PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1110, NULL, "SUBSTR" );
 
                if( pResult )
-               {
-                  hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-                  hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-               }
+                  hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
 
                /* NOTE: Exit from inside [vszakats] */
                return;
@@ -101,9 +98,6 @@ HB_FUNC( SUBSTR )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1110, NULL, "SUBSTR" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/transfrm.c b/harbour/source/rtl/transfrm.c
index 28519b6432..a672b85a36 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/transfrm.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/transfrm.c
@@ -609,10 +609,7 @@ HB_FUNC( TRANSFORM )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1122, NULL, "TRANSFORM" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/trim.c b/harbour/source/rtl/trim.c
index 6731dd62ba..6778bfb9f6 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/trim.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/trim.c
@@ -89,10 +89,7 @@ HB_FUNC( LTRIM )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1101, NULL, "LTRIM" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -117,10 +114,7 @@ HB_FUNC( RTRIM )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1100, NULL, "TRIM" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -153,10 +147,7 @@ HB_FUNC( ALLTRIM )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 2022, NULL, "ALLTRIM" ); /* NOTE: This appeared in CA-Cl*pper 5.3 [vszakats] */
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 #else
       hb_retc( "" );
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/type.c b/harbour/source/rtl/type.c
index 4c84c10a48..355f42068f 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/type.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/type.c
@@ -48,10 +48,7 @@ HB_FUNC( TYPE )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1121, NULL, "TYPE" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/rtl/val.c b/harbour/source/rtl/val.c
index 50a577a288..b5805390da 100644
--- a/harbour/source/rtl/val.c
+++ b/harbour/source/rtl/val.c
@@ -126,9 +126,6 @@ HB_FUNC( VAL )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1098, NULL, "VAL" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
diff --git a/harbour/source/vm/arrayshb.c b/harbour/source/vm/arrayshb.c
index e900c6ad3d..679748653f 100644
--- a/harbour/source/vm/arrayshb.c
+++ b/harbour/source/vm/arrayshb.c
@@ -109,10 +109,7 @@ HB_FUNC( AADD )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 1123, NULL, "AADD" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
@@ -278,11 +275,6 @@ HB_FUNC( ACLONE )
    PHB_ITEM pSrcArray = hb_param( 1, HB_IT_ARRAY );
 
    if( pSrcArray && ! hb_arrayIsObject( pSrcArray ) )
-   {
-      PHB_ITEM pDstArray = hb_arrayClone( pSrcArray );
-
-      hb_itemReturn( pDstArray ); /* AClone() returns the new array */
-      hb_itemRelease( pDstArray );
-   }
+      hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( hb_arrayClone( pSrcArray ) ) ); /* AClone() returns the new array */
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/vm/classes.c b/harbour/source/vm/classes.c
index 2f61e26ede..5dfa23d26f 100644
--- a/harbour/source/vm/classes.c
+++ b/harbour/source/vm/classes.c
@@ -1198,10 +1198,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __CLSINST )
    pSelf = hb_clsInst( ( USHORT ) hb_parni( 1 ), &ppObjects, &uiSize );
 
    if( pSelf )
-   {
-      hb_itemReturn( pSelf );
-      hb_itemRelease( pSelf );
-   }
+      hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pSelf ) );
 
    if( ppObjects )
       hb_xfree( ppObjects );
@@ -1522,11 +1519,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __OBJCLONE )
    PHB_ITEM pSrcObject = hb_param( 1, HB_IT_OBJECT );
 
    if( pSrcObject )
-   {
-      PHB_ITEM pDstObject = hb_arrayClone( pSrcObject );
-      hb_itemReturn( pDstObject );
-      hb_itemRelease( pDstObject );
-   }
+      hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( hb_arrayClone( pSrcObject ) ) );
    else
       hb_errRT_BASE( EG_ARG, 3001, NULL, "__OBJCLONE" );
 }
@@ -1726,8 +1719,8 @@ HB_FUNC( __CLASSSEL )
          }
       }
    }
-   hb_itemReturn( pReturn );
-   hb_itemRelease( pReturn );
+
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pReturn ) );
 }
 
 /* to be used from Classes ERROR HANDLER method */
@@ -1769,8 +1762,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __CLS_PARAM )
       hb_itemRelease( iTmp );
    }
 
-   hb_itemReturn( array );
-   hb_itemRelease( array );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( array ) );
 }
 
 
@@ -1837,10 +1829,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __EVAL )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_NOMETHOD, 1004, NULL, "EVAL" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 
    hb_itemRelease( pObject );
@@ -1962,8 +1951,7 @@ static HARBOUR hb___msgClsSel( void )
       }
    }
 
-   hb_itemReturn( pReturn );
-   hb_itemRelease( pReturn );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pReturn ) );
 }
 
 
@@ -2013,10 +2001,7 @@ static HARBOUR hb___msgEval( void )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_NOMETHOD, 1004, NULL, "EVAL" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/vm/debug.c b/harbour/source/vm/debug.c
index 2a7cd10e23..409efaa889 100644
--- a/harbour/source/vm/debug.c
+++ b/harbour/source/vm/debug.c
@@ -100,8 +100,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __VMSTKGLIST )
    for( pItem = hb_stack.pItems; pItem <= hb_stack.pPos; pItem++ )
       AddToArray( pItem, pReturn, uiPos++ );
 
-   hb_itemReturn( pReturn );
-   hb_itemRelease( pReturn );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pReturn ) );
 }
 
 /* $Doc$
@@ -148,10 +147,11 @@ HB_FUNC( __VMSTKLLIST )
    USHORT uiPos = 1;
 
    pReturn = hb_itemArrayNew( uiLen );           /* Create a transfer array  */
+
    for( pItem = pBase; pItem < hb_stack.pBase; pItem++ )
       AddToArray( pItem, pReturn, uiPos++ );
-   hb_itemReturn( pReturn );
-   hb_itemRelease( pReturn );
+
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pReturn ) );
 }
 
 /* $Doc$
@@ -175,8 +175,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __VMPARLLIST )
    for( pItem = pBase + 2; uiLen--; pItem++ )
       AddToArray( pItem, pReturn, uiPos++ );
 
-   hb_itemReturn( pReturn );
-   hb_itemRelease( pReturn );
+   hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pReturn ) );
 }
 
 HB_FUNC( __VMVARLGET )
diff --git a/harbour/source/vm/eval.c b/harbour/source/vm/eval.c
index 1a80fef7fe..5e789342e6 100644
--- a/harbour/source/vm/eval.c
+++ b/harbour/source/vm/eval.c
@@ -62,10 +62,7 @@ HB_FUNC( EVAL )
       PHB_ITEM pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_NOMETHOD, 1004, NULL, "EVAL" );
 
       if( pResult )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-         hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/vm/hvm.c b/harbour/source/vm/hvm.c
index 89754bd781..7b77a8671d 100644
--- a/harbour/source/vm/hvm.c
+++ b/harbour/source/vm/hvm.c
@@ -2790,10 +2790,7 @@ void hb_vmDo( USHORT uiParams )
             pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_NOMETHOD, 1004, NULL, pSym->szName );
 
          if( pResult )
-         {
-            hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-            hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-         }
+            hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
       }
    }
    else                     /* it is a function */
@@ -2888,10 +2885,7 @@ void hb_vmSend( USHORT uiParams )
             pResult = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_NOMETHOD, 1004, NULL, pSym->szName );
 
          if( pResult )
-         {
-            hb_itemReturn( pResult );
-            hb_itemRelease( pResult );
-         }
+            hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pResult ) );
       }
    }
    else                     /* it is a function */
diff --git a/harbour/source/vm/memvars.c b/harbour/source/vm/memvars.c
index 74b95966a3..ed4423d574 100644
--- a/harbour/source/vm/memvars.c
+++ b/harbour/source/vm/memvars.c
@@ -1074,9 +1074,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __MVDBGINFO )
       }
       else
       {
-         pValue = hb_itemNew( NULL );
-         hb_itemReturn( pValue );      /* return NIL value */
-         hb_itemRelease( pValue );
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( hb_itemNew( NULL ) ) ); /* return NIL value */
 
          if( iCount >= 3 && ISBYREF( 3 ) )
          {
@@ -1102,8 +1100,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __MVGET )
       {
          HB_ITEM retValue;
          hb_memvarGetValue( &retValue, pDynVar->pSymbol );
-         hb_itemReturn( &retValue );
-         hb_itemClear( &retValue );
+         hb_itemClear( hb_itemReturn( &retValue ) );
       }
       else
       {
@@ -1126,8 +1123,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __MVGET )
                {
                   HB_ITEM retValue;
                   hb_memvarGetValue( &retValue, pDynVar->pSymbol );
-                  hb_itemReturn( &retValue );
-                  hb_itemClear( &retValue );
+                  hb_itemClear( hb_itemReturn( &retValue ) );
                   uiAction = E_DEFAULT;
                }
             }
@@ -1147,10 +1143,7 @@ HB_FUNC( __MVGET )
       HB_ITEM_PTR pRetValue = hb_errRT_BASE_Subst( EG_ARG, 3009, NULL, NULL );
 
       if( pRetValue )
-      {
-         hb_itemReturn( pRetValue );
-         hb_itemRelease( pRetValue );
-      }
+         hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pRetValue ) );
    }
 }
 
diff --git a/harbour/source/vm/runner.c b/harbour/source/vm/runner.c
index a6ae1ecb6a..4c00deb043 100644
--- a/harbour/source/vm/runner.c
+++ b/harbour/source/vm/runner.c
@@ -295,11 +295,8 @@ HB_FUNC( __HRBRUN )
                }
             }
 
-            if ( pRetVal )
-            {
-               hb_itemReturn( pRetVal );
-               hb_itemRelease( pRetVal );
-            }
+            if( pRetVal )
+               hb_itemRelease( hb_itemReturn( pRetVal ) );
          }
 
          for( ul = 0; ul < ulFuncs; ul++ )