I wonder if we as a NG might put together a design
for an HF rig that could be built with ease by novices
and experienced constructors alike?

I suggest that none of the CB-style gadgets of today's
CB-style rigs are necessary and that a reproducible design
having only the facilities of, say, the KW2000, would provide the
basis of any station.

Keeping it simple will increase the chance of success.

I suggest the following....
DDS VFO
VFO display based upon graphic LCD to simulate
the use of a tuning knob-plus-dial.
Tuning knob plus flywheel using optical sensors,
giving the "Feel" associated with traditional rigs.

DSP for the audio and mixing stages, perhaps
with a low IF of ooo 50kHz to resolve the ringing
problems that arise in narrow baseband filters
for CW.

ooo 100mW output allowing the choice of PA
for CBers-Masquerading-As-Radio-Hams or
running barefoot QRP for _REAL_ Radio Hams.

Any of the established CB types in this NG are welcome to join
this discussion, I only ask that your contributions be
meaningful and not the inane sneering 'n; jeering for which
you are famous.