lock the target relation just once per SQL function call.  The original coding
obtained and released lock several times per call.  Aside from saving a
not-insignificant number of cycles, this eliminates possible race conditions
if someone tries to modify the relation's schema concurrently.  Also
centralize locking and permission-checking logic.

Problem noted while investigating a trouble report from Robert Voinea --- his
problem is still to be fixed, though.