Sorry, but the decision was made to go with a different platform for this project due to this "bug."  Disappointing that no real answer was given.  Of course the sys-admin could have logged into the database and change it but the whole idea was that it could be done from the backend.  Plus, what other issues might show up.  Can't afford to waste development time and then have to end up scrapping the project because some other "bug" showed up.