So instead of...
nexti% = -nexti% s
...let's say you write...
nexti% = -nexti% s s
Now it sends a proper error message, telling the user it expects an operator in the equation.
So how did I stumble on this monumental find you ask? Well, sometimes I use bookmarks but sometimes I just type "s" on a line by itself, when working on a large project. That way, I can go through the code, and quickly return to my work area, by using the IDE error message "jump there" to go back to my work area. So today I got lazy, and typed the "s" on a code line, figuring it would error out the same. I was surprised when it didn't.
Pete