Jon, that's not a bad idea. It could definitely be updated and simplified quite a bit. Although, I still like the balsa block fuse top. With all the weight you'd save using current hardware and electronics you wouldn't even need to hollow out the top block into a thin shell. A 1" x 4" x 36" soft plank would do fine: build the fuse upside-down on the top block - ala Sun Fli/Kaos - and then rasp it to shape with a Sureform after it's constructed.

The throttle linkage on the plans looks like something designed by Caractacus Potts. You don't need a nose gear brake today, either.

I would go with a simple D-tube wing using one top and bottom spar. The cowl, chin and air scoop would still require some carving.

With those changes it wouldn't be any more involved that building a Super Kaos or Daddy Rabbit.

David