Thank you all for your comments.

The user base for the project is fairly small, and controlled, so I have no worries about browser javascript conflicts.
I would have worries about putting all the infromation into javascript variables, and doing more jscript coding. I think it might slow things down, and speed is a critical factor.
The push for a more friendly UI is comming from the users that are used to 'filemakerPro' type interaction, where everthing is editable all the time. I've stuck with the web medium because some users will access parts of the information from outside the company, and it seems to be easier to code.
I have a feeling I will revert back the the 'submit' type form, and try to incorporate a more complex screen layout with frames, so that information viewing can happen at the same time as information viewing.

Thanks to everyone.<br. david