I finally bit the bullet and talked to my boss a few days ago: the Java Developer (nay, `Software Engineer', if you look at my business card) thing just wasn't working out, and I could see too many things that were broken on the network. Dave kindly agreed and decided to put me back on in a sysadmin support/scripting role. (I suppose you can all tell I need to think of a better title for myself).
I was kind of surprised at how easy it was to stop being someone who billed time and start being someone who at best saves money for the company. It makes me want to be sure my salary and associated costs are well-spent. I think I can see room for some serious scripting and infrastructure work, espescially with the large number of new hires we have right now (the company has increased size by 50% over about three weeks).
All this is a little moot immediately, though, since I'm on holiday until the 15th of January. Whee.