And buttons to the search page for time specific searches

It's already possible to add crazy unix time codes into the search address to narrow it to a specific time. Why not just add two options, a start and end date, which would translate that into the unix code jumble?

No need to cache everything like you would if it's a drop down option, and no need to rewrite the search because the ability already exists. All we got to do is update the UI.

I know nothing about coding, please don't hate me