jdonalds2001 wrote:
Is there any way to bypass the system so it always saves edited copies.
You can readily accomplish what you want by simply exporting to same folder as original, with "add to catalog" checked, then just delete the originals - they'll still be selected after exporting (unless you've altered selection during export), so it's just one keystroke (Ctrl-Shift-Alt-Delete will delete all selected photos without confirmation prompt in library module), or of course you can use the delete key and answer the prompt.
Put another way, exporting in Lightroom, is the equivalent of a 'Save As', and there is no 'Save' (overwrite). But the image police won't arrest you if you delete the originals after "saving as". I do it every now and then when I just know the edited jpeg is good enough...
PS - If you're on Windows, and you are willing to endure a barrage of warnings and prompts (which can ultimately be extinguished permanently) you can automate using Exportant's "delete-originals-after-export" feature.
Rob