Jason, I think I understand you now. Basically we are suggesting the same
thing (just little different syntax). Correct me if I am wrong here:

CREATE TABLE tab (...);

CREATE VIEW v (...) FOR SELECT, INSERT AS
SELECT * FROM tab;

CREATE TRIGGER tr FOR v BEFORE UPDATE AS ...

This command
INSERT INTO v ...
will insert values directly into tab.

This command
UPDATE v SET ...
will fire trigger tr, but does not update table tab directly.

This command
DELETE FROM v ...
will cause error because the view does not have allowed deletes,
and there is no trigger to take over the job.


Ivan