Jason,
Based on what you wrote in the first post...I say go for it[8D]. If he wants a painted finish on a nicely designed airplane, then go for it[X(]. If you guys keep it light where you can, and go with light cloth, the air frame will certainly handle the weight. The plane would ultimately be a one off that looks great. Isn't that one of the most important things about building. Build what you want, how you want it, and better yet nobody else has one just like it
. Good luck...............