I think Mike is sceptical because we saw a lot of alternative clients announced already, in Python and various other languages, but none was ever finished.
Well the Java and .NET implementation work, though it doesn't function as a full node yet doesn't do validation/mining.
Some people want to just spend and receive coins without even seeing address strings or wallet details. Others will be power users, and want more fine-grained control over their wallet(s), keys, encryptions, and super-security techniques. And there's a million shades of gray in between. I don't think all this can be achieve with one client.
This is being covered by making it easier to interface with alternative GUIs by making the current client into a library and supporting an easier external interface... If you just want to slap another face on it I don't see why you'd want to re-implement the whole thing.
Then again, you might have a good reason, good luck with your work!