Correct, the scenario you are describing is more of a data mining type scenario. You may want to look at the EDD product to see what I mean. That gives you the flexibility you mention but with a level of security in mind.
Excel or any product going directly to the db is not encouraged. Not banned, but you should go in with eyes wide open since you are bypassing all security and calculated columns when going directly to sql. That’s why the design of the feature is to package up your query in BAQ and then consume it in Excel or other clients.