For those that want to make their own with a kit, I'm still quite keen to offer that and it would have a programmed PIC in the kit. So there's no extra hassle with any lock in or anything. You'd just order a kit and get the parts/board/instructions ready to build. That's a much more limited and expert segment of users.
This is what I'm interested in--as long as you are reasonably confident you could source the required components in time. I wouldn't mind the option of ordering a spare set of parts (or three) as well, to allow room for error.
Now about getting you that oscilloscope. I'd be happy to chip in, who's with me?