That will only work with filters, not parameters. If you can do what you need with just filters, then yes it will work. If you need them to be parameters (which is sounds like you do), that technique will not work.
This might be an option for you. Some code involved, and I have not tried it myself yet.
The BAQ markup option sounds like it might work in your use case of setting start and end dates. You might be able to get away from any popups at all.