Imo there is a big difference between RDBs as a store of data, in which you're trapped by past modeling decisions and a query language that constrains you, and

Imo there is a big difference between RDBs as a store of data, in which you're trapped by past modeling decisions and a query language that constrains you, and SQL as a query language which is decent enough. SQL feels much better when you populate your DB with data from elsewhere, and use it as a tool to explore data you structured for your own purpose than it is when you try to ask questions to a model unfit for your purpose.