Before I started using custom filter forms, I had the same problem as you. My solution was to create a macro which applied a filter and added a button to the toolbar with that macro assigned to it. Worked just fine.
Your right click pop up menu on the FBF screen also has all the filter action you may requre.
You would be much better off not trying to automate the FBF and create a filter form of your own. You will then have all the customizing control you will ever need.
Dave Mack
Saratoga, NY
[This message has been edited by David Mack (edited 08-01-2001).]