SQL & PL/SQL

Hello,

Can someone settle a discussion I am having with a peer of mine? Here's the scenerio:

1. Optimizer_mode is set to Rule based.
2. SQL issued uses a hint.

I say that it WILL NOT switch into the CBO mode even with the hint. He says it will. I'm also under the impression that if you are using OPTIMIZER_MODE = Cost you can force it to use RBO by using the \*RULE*\ hint in your sql. Who's right on this one?

thanks,

John