@jblumenthal - thanks for the thought about PODS. You are correct, it can be used to create a relational database. It's nice because it allows non-coders to do so through a familiar admin interface.
However, I'm leery of installing many plugins just because I can. For a coder, creating a relational database is rather trivial. Properly designing one is much more involved, but coding it is straight forward. Since this sub-forum's main intended audience are coders of all levels, I'm not convinced PODS is really necessary.
There also remains the issue of user interface, IMO PODS shortcodes leave much to be desired for data output. They are basically a coding language of their own. A custom template is not that big a stretch for anyone that codes.
PODS is great for those that cannot code or cannot be bothered, but from the sounds of the OP's need and apparent skill level, a bespoke plugin will be far more satisfactory and efficient than cobbling together several plugins.
Still, PODS is a good thought and will be useful for someone.