I think there are real benefits to using linked Content Controls and some drawbacks with a StyleRef.

StyleRef needs a master (the style), which has to either once only in the document or prior to the first instance of the slaves (the field). If the style gets used on something else then there will be variability in the slave field result depending on where the nearest master is located. A linked content control can be edited in any instance to change all the other instances.

StyleRef requires fields to be updated after changing the master. CCs change as the cursor leaves the CC.

On the other hand, StyleRef does have the advantage of working in Doc format which is one thing that CCs can't do.

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Andrew Lockton
Chrysalis Design, Melbourne Australia