A list bulk edit that might allow us to do this:
Use search and/or filters to narrow a bunch of list items (or select them manually)
Hit 'Bulk edit' as an action
This brings up a modal window with all the model properties and a checkbox next to each
Tick a checkbox against the ones you want to bulk update, then pick a new value from the input field (might be a number/date/lookup/whatever field)
Hit save.
You see an async progress indicator whilst the bulk update action is happening.
The list data automatically updates (without a refresh)
Naturally, access control would need to be overlaid over the top of this.
