While these are EXCELLENT solutions, for this particular project they are undoable. First and most importiant, the time and budget are not there to redesign the way the page works. Secondly, the client is resistant to any changes in the way the page works... they want fields added and thats it.
So, as you can see- I'm stuck cobbling onto a flawed architecture. I have hit on a solution, while not "right" its working, not breaking anything else and is what the client requested. Yes, you are right TruthInSatire... the resulting code was messy as hell and definatly not "how its done" it by any means. Just by virtue of the redundant trips to the server makes it "WRONG"! But whats 3 more trips when the thing is already going back and forth 10 times in the course of making a new order?
If anyone is interested, their site is bookaband.com The orgional developer, while inexperienced made a wonderful, feature rich application. Reguardless of the language and/or the coding I am very impressed with the features and business logic this guy put in. I can't show you the backend of course, but if you just looked at it in terms of features- I think even the most jaded developer would find it an impressive effort.
Thank you all so very much for your time and assistance. Tek-Tips and it's community is a wonderful resource and has never let me down!
Sincerely,
Kevin Howell
Briefcase of Talent- Austin, Texas