Interesting project! What's really interesting to me about it, weirdly enough, is that my current gig is in support of a thing that does precisely what you describe (yes, even though the text there doesn't mention Case Management, a huge number of customers use it that way). And I can be that extra little bird confirming your strong pull to SQL is something you shouldn't ignore ;] Noted that you already have a lot on your plate, though. Difficult divide to cross, but I know you'll get them as close as you can, and it'll be awesome.

AND! I was just reading questions over on AskMetaFilter (as one does) and saw this one and though of you immediately as someone who might know the answer, but no idea if a) that's true, b) you've the time to answer, c) how to facilitate getting an answer from a non-member to the Asker. If a) is true and b) is workable, do you have ideas for how c) can be accomplished? ETA: nm on c)! she included a throwaway email account in a comment :D