Applescript-worth learning?

That, and a whole lot more can be automated with AppleScript. Think of it as an advanced way of telling your applications what to do, so you don't have to. To get a better idea open up Script Editor and go to File>Open Dictionary, or Cmnd+Shift+O. You can view all the "dictionaries" for all your scriptable apps. I only started about 6 months ago, been a Mac user for 15 years. And it's already saving me time and making me money. I think it's definitely worth learning for anyone who spends a lot of time with their Mac, especially advanced users and professionals. You mentioned databases, that's one of the biggest areas that AppleScript is used professionally. There are a lot of consultants out there creating major solutions with AppleScript and FileMaker Pro, another one that I'm studying right now. If you want to see some real world scripts in action head over to http://www.macscripter.net
it's the best resource on the web for AS. Also, I recommend starting with this ebook as your first steps into AppleScripting:
http://www.applescriptsourcebook.com/tips/AS4AS.html
After struggling with books from the store I came across this and it got me started right away. And it's Free! AppleScript has become an invaluable tool for me on a daily basis. I'd say give it a look.