Should I use flat tables or a normalized database?

Question

I have a web application that I am currently working on that uses a MySQL database for the back-end, and I need to know what is better for my situation before I continue any fur

Answer 1

...in this application users will be able to construct their own forms with any number fields...

Yikes! Then how could you possibly do any sort of normalization when the users are, in essense, making the database decisions for you.

I think you either need to manage it step by step or let your freak flag fly and just keeping buying hardware to keep up with the thrashing you're going to get when the users really start to get into it....Case in point, look what happens when users start to understand how to make new forms and views in SharePoint...CRIKY!! Talk about scope creep!!