Inter-Part Relations and Design Tables

I have a problem with making an equation relation between two parts.
I have a part that is a configuration from a design table. It is a
pipe template.
One of the configurations was used as the background for a part. [I
don't know if this has any bearing, but, in the assembly, I "Saved As"
this part to the BOM file name convention.]
I want to put a hole in this part that is the same size as the OD
(target table value) of another, smaller, configuration.
The structure of the equation is as follows:
Part A: The first, larger diameter, configuration.
Part B: The second, smaller diameter, configuration.

"DIMENSION NAME PART A@SKETCH NAME PART A"= >>
"DIMENSION NAME PART B@SKETCH NAME PART B@COMPONENT TEMPLATE<INSTANCE
NUMBER>

No matter how I structure the reference "<Instance Number>" (this
includes the configuration name), the equation always evaluates to the
value of the last instance in the table. Even a value of '0' was
attempted with the same result. Without the "<VALUE>", the equation
cannot be processed, so I know the format is correct.

I ran across a post by dated Jun 9, 1:50 am,
Global Variables in Assemblies,
On comp.cad.solidworks that states:
"Yes but you can only reference dimensions. You cannot reference
equations or design table elements. At least not that I can figure
out.)"

Is this a fact? Any help will always be appreciated.


TIA,
Mark N. McAllister