You could've simply ignored the post. No need to have flamed him...
I would rather agree with Nosferatu. I think what we should look for as enngeneering projects is innovative commercial ideas. What is the use of accessing ext2 filesystem from Win. You might come out with some uses, no doubt. But will you be able to sell it and earn ?
Think on the ideas for generating revenue by solving peoples much needed problems rather than 'cool' stuff to impress ur professors and girlfriends.