...snip...

> but most projects go the opposite direction -- start
> with lame-o filesystem database and move up to BDB later on.

Subversion is a good example of a large and popular software project
that went the other direction with good results.  It can certainly be
done, the question that needs answering is should it be done. ;-)  One
bonus for the flat files approach is that it would remove yet another
dpkg vs. rpm argument point (which I'm all for silencing that silly
debate) though as Jeff points out it would add a whole new way for
users to screw themselves.  I'm really not firmly on the pro or con
side of this argument, just my completely pointless $0.02.
Jason