I hadn't heard of the term "associative model" before, but after reading its description I recognized it. I have seen several attempts to implement databases using models similar to this and the attempts all ended in failure once the amount of data got beyond token quantity or complexity. I would abandon the attempt and try something more along the lines of an object/relational implementation. I have seen some fairly advanced object/relational implementations and they hold up well.

Anything less than several Nobel prizes and I will be inconsolable.

pootle flump ur codings are working excelent.

Simon: That's something of an oversight on my part... I've emailed you directly. Thanks!

Thanks also for the rest of the responses... I'll have a look into the relevant 'background reading'. I'm still quite surprised that this is so uncommon! Originally, I was casually advised to look into the associative database model as if it was a mainstream approach. Apparently not!