Yeah, I thought it might be something like that.
It seems like a very logical thing to do, though. Most likely pictures, videos and other content are organized locally on users computers using directories. Then they are ftp'd to server using similar directory structure most likely. Most of the albums and categories I add in Coppermine are based on directory structure and folder names.
If this thing could be done, it would be much more efficient. The benifit of using database for pictures & videos is to save time. Anyone can make thumbails with a thumbnail program. Even with shortcomings, Coppermine is still faster than doing this but will be better once new feature is added.