register_editable_option()

[scribu]

Currently, all the details about editing a particular option need to be passed on ajax each request.

It would be safer and more efficient to register them beforehand and just pass the key. Here's how it would work:

First, call register_editable_option() in your functions.php file:

register_editable_option( array(
  'key' => 'whatever',
  'type' => 'rich',
  'default' => 'foobar'
) );

Then, in your template files, just pass the key:

<?php editable_option( 'whatever' ); ?>

[scribu]

On the other hand, having to register potentially dozens of options before using them can get tedious.