What amazes me is how bloody long this concept took most people to realise.

That's why DBs are so useful! (Well, one reason ;o) )

Really, web architecture should be separated into structure, content and design. At the very least. That way, you can alter one, either locally or globally, and not have an impact on another, unless it's intentional (such as over riding inherited/global styles).

Not many people do this, and hardly anyone I've ever worked for thinks it's worthwhile, time wise. Yes, it may take twice or even three times as long to build the initial site, but once it's done, it's done right. Changes and updates become hassle free, whether site wide or just on one page.

So I'm for seperating these elements of a site; I don't care how you do it though, as long as it works for you.

Cheers.