I’m following this discussion with interest because I currently use the SQL Export (with some patches) so that I can write various queries. (I’m not a Python developer but am comfortable writing SQL. I once tried to use the experimental Query add-on but got nowhere with it; I forget why.)
It would be nice if I could query the Gramps database directly, so that I could skip the export step. I haven’t tried Nick’s experimental version that Paul mentioned. I know that SQLite has some functions to deal with JSON, but I imagine the queries would be more difficult than they are with the current export.
So, I’m interested in any changes that might result in a “simpler” data model (in the sense of being pickle- and JSON-free), even though that would mean more tables. And meanwhile I will continue using the SQLite Export.