I am a great admirer of Jay, the other builders, and the FE fans on this forum. I have never experienced the same level of generosity with information combined with true expertise in any other place, including ones I use for things like my big diesel motorhome. The lack of stupid arguments is one thing, but the deep expertise and freedom with the information is wonderful.
I'm the target you guys are talking about. I built my first FE when I was in my late 50's with parts specified and provided by Barry. I could not have built it and got it running without this forum. The only other engine I'd have liked to build would have been a Flatty. Why? Because they are iconic. The SBC is everywhere, but it isn't iconic. Personally I find the SBC ugly, but the real thing for me is the only American V8 to win LeMans was an FE.
The draw backs to building an FE are lack of local expertise and support. I was lucky to have a friend who had done a bunch of junkyard FE builds, and he encouraged me. You can go almost anywhere and find people that will build a small block chev.
We don't need a new FE head to grow interest in the FE, although it wouldn't hurt. We need access to a good block, preferably cast iron, and a near mass produced quality engine. I say near mass produced because the FE will be up against the Coyote and the LS, and while some (like me) really enjoyed going through all the options, doing the research, studying this forum, and measuring and building the engine, most just want a reliable mill.
If the builders on this forum really want to create new demand for the FE you can get together and secure a good supply of blocks, and then agree on a couple of standard build packages that any punter like me can call you up and say I want an X displacement FE with the Y package, and it shows up, installs, runs, and reliably makes the specified HP and torque. It would be great if all of you offered similar standard packages because it isn't like people like me won't then ask you what you would do to make it specific to me. I liked Barry's Prison Break option as a starting point, then I did my own thing after that. Jay's intake book was hugely valuable to me - it helped me recognize the Street Dominator I was offered was a pretty good option.
And having a TP option would be excellent, as would Jay's heads. Think about it guys, this forum shows you are willing to cooperate to help keep this venerated engine alive in the popular imagination.