For example, a link URL might want to look for any active topics with the word "inflation" or "unemployment" in the topic title.
Is what you are asking not already possible, on the search page, can you not search in 'Entire Message' or use drop-down menu to select 'Subject only'?
Yes - but I'm a bit unsure about how i turn a specific search into a hard-coded URL - so that whenever anyone clicks on the link, it performs the desired search?
One solution: construct a form with hidden input fields and drop the information you need in them (have a look at the source of search.asp to see what names you need to give each field). Then use javascript to have your link submit the form.
Search is your friend “I was having a mildly paranoid day, mostly due to the fact that the mad priest lady from over the river had taken to nailing weasels to my front door again.”