RIA Services with Entity Framework already provides this functionality, basically how RIA services works and you can do it too as follow.
I wouldn't discard user changes, as that easily leads to user frustration. IMHO, the user should not be informed about connection problems by uncontrolled data rollbacks.
I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.