I'm starting work in the backdrop, but there is no way I would release it before giving the original dev fair chance and warning.
I really hope artos won't abandon the project again, but in case it happens... will you be able to finish the coinmixing before zerocoin comes out?
To be honest, I can't make any promises. I'm really not sure and it is quite a daunting task, especially for someone unfamiliar with the codebase... I may be a good programmer but I never pictured myself in this boat, lol.
All I can promise is my best work, and hope it never has to be used...
Maybe you should make a thread calling for assistance from other devs if you eventually feel things are coming down to the wire. For now, all we can do is hold our breath.