Don't you think the objective is to get the job done rather than design extravagant nifty options? We already have one of those.
As much as it pains me to say it, I don't disagree with this article:
http://www.idlewords.com/2005/08/a_r...to_nowhere.htm
Capsules certainly get the reentry part done well. Throw them in the atmosphere so fast that they hit 5G of deceleration (IIRC) and they still survive. Just one disposable circular shield a few meters in diameter is required for this.
For anybody that is looking in the direction of Space Ship One and thinking "they can do it", don't. SS1 goes much slower so its thermal protection needs are smaller.
P.S.
NASA just said to the shuttle crew that the guy flying approaches around KSC is seeing St Elmo's fire around the plane. St Elmo's fire is a blue glow that occurs around conductors in highly charged areas, like thunder storms.