Hi Marie,
Yes, that would make sense. With your own XML schema you have more options. Check out our free evaluation version of the Database Accelerator which allows you to map your form to a SQL database without having to rely on the relational schema. This might be an interesting pattern if you are just starting and don't have data in your database. However, if you have data in your database, don't bother looking at the Database Accelerator.
Patrick Halstead [InfoPath MVP]
InfoPathDev
Patrick Halstead
Project Manager at Qdabra