Joe, a comprehensive review of the DT would serve to short-circuit certain copyright-related difficulties as well as providing an opportunity to add often-inquired-after information about the history of the various lyrics. As you point out, though, historical information on lyrics is only half the story.

There don't seem to be "DT numbers" yet, though such a system might have advantages. But any filing system that might be devised would have to allow a way for new titles to be inserted.

Besides your idea of adding Child numbers to DT lyrics where appropriate, another good idea might be to create a cross-reference index by Child number for lyrics that are versions of Child ballads (i.e. click on "#200" and get a menu of links to the DT's versions of Johnie Faa/Wraggle Taggle Gypsies ).

T.