So incredibly true. And that one time you see what XML can do that little else can.
Like that time there were hundreds of forms to build, refused, held a silent protest until a reasonable way presented itself.
Enter "XML Form Template" or "XML Form Definition.", A form is generated from the XML in html, filled in, and on submit, the XML is filled back in.
Built one form renderer and done. Never got old watching it.
XForms (W3C standard)
https://www.w3.org/TR/2003/REC-xforms-20031014/slice2.html