Yeah, so what was the point to begin with?

Do you understand Design By Contract? That is the theory that provides the distinction between a function/method finishing with success or with failure. The notion of contract is what distinguishes an exception from a glorified GOTO.

In re-reading, my response comes across as much more flippant than I intended. I was just trying to re-emphasize that the definition of an exception is an integral component of Meyer's design by contract methodology and not a stand alone concept.