Why don't these two VERY simple formulas evaluate to the same

To change the default format for a particular type of field, see my response
to Eric Caron from 6/22/04.

Since you are combining the result of your running total field with text, to
make a complete string, your running total result can be converted to a
string and formatted:
ToText({#numericalListItemTotal}, 0, ",", "") - This will provide zero
decimal places, a comma for a thousand's separator and nothing to be used as
the decimal point.
Your formula looks as though it would print the way you describe.

Unfortunately, yes.  You'll have to do this manually.  You can set this
universally as I explained in the post which I referenced.  If you want the
number field to have zero decimal places, then the field value will be
rounded, not truncated.  In your formula, you would still use the "ToText"
function to concatenate this number with a string.

Your formula looks correct.  Sometimes they can get a little strange.

I have not come across any great references that describe all of the
functions available.  Brian Bischof's book: "Crystal Reports .NET
Programming" has several pages devoted to the functions.  He includes some
descriptions and what parameters are required.  I couldn't find anything
comparable in George Peck's: "Crystal Reports 9, The Complete Reference"

I've been using CR for five years, through several versions before Basic
Syntax was available.  I have not used Basic Syntax.  I find that I can do
everything I need using Crystal Syntax.