Add a "Quick Import" and allow Database speed optimization

Question

I would like an option to open individual files alongside the library system. Allow people to use the Develop module on single files, and export them without having to add them to the database... or there could be a temporary part of the database where they are stored in, and the user can customize the length of time they're stored in the database. This may give people who are wary of the database/importation system more incentive to use lightroom. Also, user configurable options (or a wizard) to optimize the speed of the database, such as mass removing files from the database (but not deleting) that have not been accessed for a determined amount of time, or to automatically back those files up in an archive and delete/remove them from the database.
This would help my workflow because I don't always import thousands of files of a shoot. I believe it is highly presumptuous to think that everyone who uses lightroom has exactly the same workflow, involving the importation of thousands of files for batch conversion, or mass exportation to photoshop for final touches. I often export single files from Lightroom to photoshop, solely for the reason of global contrast enhancement (USM high radius), and using third party plugins (such as Neatimage). The fact is, I have photoshop, and I choose NOT to use Camera Raw in PS because the Develop module in LR produces faster, and often marginally better results... I attribute this to its more streamlined user interface. I will often take the very best of my photos in a small handful of folders, and then I process and export them on demand. I believe there is no harm in adding a "Quick Import" command which takes an image, or a handful of images, quickly into the Develop module without any prompt for metadata handling or preset application. Since it would be a small-scale import, presets could be selected manually on the side panel as desired. I believe there is a lot of sense in the database system, especially for a lot of professional photographers... I need a little more flexibility with the database.

Answer 1

Thinking about it honestly, I think you're right. I don't think Adobe LR designers are being highly presumptuous, because I have never been in contact with them. However, I have read some posts on this message board, and it appears that very little is getting through to adobe. For example, some responses by Jeff Schewe have shown a resistance to changing the workflow of LR, even though others have wanted more flexibility with the interface. I'm not sure if he directly works for Adobe, but he generally shoots down any idea that doesn't fit the LR/importation - PS/single file work paradigm.
For example:
"Jeff Schewe - 6:09pm Aug 26, 07 PST (#1 of 1)
Then use Camera Raw 4 and be done with it...if Lightroom doesn't fit in your workflow, it's foolish to try to force it in. That's why there's Camera Raw with Bridge and Photoshop."
original post:
http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/.3bc632a8/0
Although I think that the request could have been worded a little nicer, these sorts of responses are not constructively critical enough, and gives the impression that Adobe has a very rigid idea of where Lightroom should be, and where Photoshop should be. If this impression is false, then I think Jeff Schewe is misrepresenting Adobe (although I'm not sure if he exactly works for Adobe).
A much better example is here:
http://www.adobeforums.com/cgi-bin/webx/.3bc4b6d9/0
I hope that better explains my statement... and it is one of frustration of what I see on this board. People are coming up with valid suggestions, which others seems to agree would improve their workflow, and they are being bluntly shot down.
You're right, it's not a whole lot different. I wanted to put my two cents in on how the process could be sped up for an alternate workflow. It saves a few steps, and I value that. Others value saving extra steps, such as the latter example above. I am suggesting an idea to speed up the importation/develop process, although it does not necessarily have to work the way I wrote it. One of Lightroom's biggest faults currently is a lack of speed, and I felt at the time of posting that it might stimulate some new discussion or ideas about improving Lightroom. One being an alternative, streamlined importation, and an automated process that cleans the library afterwards to your configured preferences... which might improve the slowdown that many experience when masses of inactive files clutter their database.
Thanks for your response,
Brendan