AR Accessories Question

[ld08]

After searching I was unable to find a thread directly related to my question, I am trying to avoid creating a superfluous thread by posting my questions here;

My senior design project for mechanical engineering is to begin in the fall semester and I've been toying with the idea of designing, engineering, and creating custom AR accessories with a SolidWorks type program and building a preliminary model through a CNC or a rapid prototyping machine. As this is something that I would enjoy doing as my final project, I would need input from this experienced community on design and features. If interested I could take design specifications and create a totally custom product (i.e vertical fore grip, mounting brackets/bases, etc, etc..). The questions that remain are:

1.) Would this be a worthwhile venture, with an already crowded AR-15 aftermarket?

2.) Is there a particular piece of equipment that needs remodeling/redesigning either for personal preference or functionality?

3.) Would PS.com members be willing to send design input?

4.) If successful, would QP's be interested in field testing?

Thank you for your time,
LD