Also it isn't 30K to upgrade to standard, unless your talking about ArcGIS Server "Standard"? GIS Squirrel works with your database. Which database are you using SQL Server? It's a good product for bypassing the license issues. To answer your question, yes you can edit! It's only $5500 more to add a standard license of ArcGIS Desktop FYI. Basic is $1500, Standard $7000 and $10000 +/-