modding editor?

[Tnarg]

Some one might have already mentioned this, but I'll give it a shot. Has anyone ever thought about programming some sort of mod editor. It could be set up similar to the map editor that comes with the disk.

Instead of having to go in and changing each individual file (I have no advanced knowlegde on what modders actually go in and do when they create mods) ie: to change or create a facility one needs to go and edit the facility text, then the pictures text?

Anyhow the editor could be a program that just makes creating mods more user friendly so that computer illeterate people such as I can play around and spread the wealth.

Main Idea:
1) Have a main screen that allows the creation or editing of Components, Facilities, Ship Sizes, Base sizes, fighters, troops, ect. (perhaps even a blank one for creative types that want something completly new)

2) Within these indivual sections one would readily have access to everything that makes a componet a componet or a ship a ship: A box to fill in the name, a box for description, tonnage, group, ability types, ect. ect.

2b) For the picture one of two things could be done. A massive download or inclusion of the incrediable and ever expanding work from the Image Mod in which tiny thumbnail pictures could be chosen. Or one could just enter the number associated with the component they want. (Part of the programing would make all of the neccessary connections and make this work). Proper credit of course needs to be mentioned to anyone that puts there mod available for others.

2c) For ship, fighter, base, ect pictures one would just download what they like. Part of the program would consist of specific file in which the user could draw from what they have downloaded or put into. Again proper credit due where proper credit is due.

It took a while to figure out the Map editor, but once I figured it out it was pretty slick, just time consuming.

For comparision of what I am trying to portray try and remember Civ II the Gold Edition. That had a really effective unit and building editor. You would scroll through all of the unit or building pictures, then plug in all the values, and walla, a new unit or building was at your disposal.

For those who have not played that, the Map editor is a close second guess.

If anyone has any feed back on this lengthy idea let me know, and perhaps tell me if this is at all feasible. If not for SEIV; perhaps, SEV?