I don't want 2 separate databases.
Well, if you were using CATraxx in combination with Winamp 2.8x, you wouldn't have two separate databases, as Winamp 2 is pretty much only a player. It doesn't really have any complex playlist/database capabilities the way that CATraxx or MC does.
when I right click on the artist in the left panel I would expect the properties that I get are the properties of the artist
what I get, I believe is some sort of summation of the properites of the subordinate mp3 files.
MCs 'Properties' are really just a way to edit/add ID3 tags. ID3 tags append artist/album/track/etc info to each individual file and are currently the standard tagging system for MP3s.
I would also like to be able to create in album entry for an artist even though I have no mp3 files.
I don't think this can be done in MC. It can be done in CATraxx
The album would have a property of, say, "want". I could then list all all the want items.
Again, CATraxx can do this, plus tons more.
Really, to do some of the things you've mentioned in your posts, it seems like what you are looking for is a database program that can play MP3s, rather than an MP3 player that happens to have some good databse/playlist creating capabilities, which is what MC is.
Again, just my $0.02.
CATraxx has a 30 day free trial, and Winamp is free.
Rob