In kind with Todd V's question about file management, I seek the experience of those who have come before.

I'm a graduate student and have found that the sudden increase in the amount and diversity of data that is coming into my computer completely broke (my trust in) my old filing system.

I find myself wishing there were an iTunes-like app for file management, no more spacial metaphors, just all my files with meta-data to group them and arrange them on the fly.

I am a Mac user, a Quicksilver cultist, and an (albeit confused) user of DevonThink Pro. I am considering abandoning the folder structure, and having a dread heap /Documents folder that I access entirely through desktop search technology like QS and Spotlight and organize ad hoc with DT and Smart Folders when I need.

My question is: have any of you implemented a system like this? Will it violently explode in my face? Do you tag? What sorts of tags do you use? Any advice on this sort of system would be greatly appreciated.