>When I used the version of wordpress that one has to install on one's own server I could indeed access the database. But nowadays I use the www.wordpress.com facility and I'm not sure. Never need it. I guess it's protected.

I think this is only content publishing. If installed on a custom server, yes, I would assume such support would be available. But, it seems this software is like WIX, allowing an easy fast creation Web site tool and that would be mostly it.