Hi,

The cck_taxonomy_ssu module would like to achieve the same as you are trying.
On cck_taxonomy_ssu there is already freetagging support, but the GUI is not that nice as yours. On cck_taxonomy_ssu the guy has problems with the theming, which you already tackeled. And the cck_taxonomy_ssu-script gives me warnings in Internet Explorer that it is making my pc-to slow, while you are building the stuff with Ajax.

Wouldn't it be an ideal combination to join force you're both modules and build a cck-taxonomy_strider, and a regular taxonomy_strider with the cck_taxonomy_ssu features inherited?

May be a suggestion to get in contact with the cck_taxonomy_ssu owner (http://drupal.org/project/cck_taxonomy_ssu).

I off course don't know if you're code is interexchangeble, but it is forth the effort, instead of finding out the things on your own, right?
I am sorry if you are not wanting this connection made, but I couldn't resist on getting this chain connected.

Greetings,
Martijn