You know, I think Marko actually has an interesting idea - in terms of having such a product with such qualities. Remember, if young guys like him don't get whacky ideas, nothing ever gets invented.
Having said that, the develop to competion idea is much like the C41 process on some level, but not quite.
The closest you will get to that with traditional B&W is Diafine (from popular off the shelf devs) - not very time or temp sensitive, lasts forever.
Also, it seems like you would really like the idea of large format developed in trays by inspection. Check the LF section - I am totally ignorant in this area, but I have read about such practices, even involving night vision equipment. Sort of what you want, but without having to deal with the many foibles of ortho film (which is definitely a case of a narrow range of applications for just the right look).
If you get a chance pick up last months issue of B&W magazine - it has a great article on paper negs - fascinating stuff. Certainly a lot more capable than I thought they were!
And by the way, you can overdevelop a print. It takes a longish time to do that, and is not the same severity as with film, but it can be done (ask me how I know....).
Peter.
PS 40 rolls? Did you drop a zero somewhere? Maybe two...? 40 is a great start. I'd say its enough to make you comfortable enough with the process to start learning.
PPS. To all of you have told him to go get a digital camera, well done guys. You're all real gems. God knows that the only way to keep film alive is to make sure no one new is allowed in the sandbox and whatever we know is buried with us. Give your heads a shake. If he annoys you that much, either tell him how and why, or for that matter - tell ME: why do you bother responding?