Vehicle configuration is one thing I would like to have priority.
Here's my take on how it should be: the mission file specifies I-loads (MECO targets, 1º stage tables, landing sites, etc), "systems versions" (SSME model, GPC sw version, VC version) and also "mission kits" (the Centaur mod, OMS Kit mod, EDO mod, RMS, ODS). One mission kit being "on" just adds to the vehicle the mass of the pipes and/or the switches in the cockpit. You can then choose to have the item itself (EDO pallet, RMS, etc) or not (both Endeavour and Columbia had the EDO piping on many non EDO missions).
The scenario file would say if you had, or not, (for example) the RMS, and if yes, in what configuration would it be (along with the rest of the subsystems).
The "assembly" of those 2 files should be done by the future "SSU Toolbox", so it's easier/automated and also so we can do some "sanity" checks (probably couldn't have the Centaur and the EDO pallet together).
But, what one thinks and reality can be 2 different things. Looking at the way the modules are loaded in Orbiter, by the time we have access to the mission file, it's probably too late to "build" the systems.... so there goes my idea down the drain... :facepalm:
About the language discussion above, I did learn java about one year ago but didn't really like it, and did very very little GUI stuff. I'm probably a decade and a half too late, but I know VB6