My proposal is to implement easier template tags.  These tags are similar to the tags used in HTML and XML.  These tags have the advantage of making it easier for non-programmers to update themes.

I propose to implement this as a plugin.  The plugin creates a new theme editor under Presentation (now called Easier Theme Editor).  It converts the PHP tags to HTML-like tags and displays them in the editor, and then it converts them back to PHP tag when saved.  This is more efficient than my initial idea of converting them on-the-fly as the template is loading.

Blofeld

During this phase (May 28 - June 22), I tried to implement this as a plugin per my original idea.  I intended to start with a basic system and ensure that it worked correctly and cleanly.

Drax

My original idea didn't work, so during this phase (June 25 - July 6) I'm starting from scratch, with the goal of getting the basic system worked out and one tag implemented

Goldfinger

Now, I during this stage (July 9 - August 8) I intend to get the majority of tags that theme customizers would actually use implemented (this implicitly excludes tags with formatting strings, which wouldn't be the easiest thing for non-programmers (and non-*nix geeks in general) to understand).

Carver

With the previous phases (hopefully) completed and (again hopefully) me still employed, I will begin this phase (August 9 - August 18).  This will focus on getting testers who to test my code, make sure it meets around 90% of its purpose (per documented design goals), and suggest improvements and optimizations.

Renard

This phase (August 20 - August 31) will be the time to publish it to the general public (not just testers).  Bloggers of the world will rejoice and pings to the articles on more the prestigious blogs will run rampant (OK, I'm daydreaming again; disregard that sentence).

Personal Info Thingies

Real Name: Keith Bowes

User Name: zooplah (it's based on hoopla, with the first letter turned to a z and a final h appended to aid in pronunciation; it's not an Esperanto word).  Now, you know how to send me a message if need be.

College: NCRTC

Major: Computer Science  (focus on programming)

My test blog: http://zooplah.dyndns.org/soc/ (on my local machine, so it's guaranteed to be slow)