Yeah I totally agree that this would be a fun foundation for something even if not a post-LD edition. I'm not sure how much else you can do with the game as it is, which is kinda one of the things that made it so magical: in such a small block of game you explored so many different struggles and mechanics.
Or maybe it's not that I don't know what else can be done with it but there are too many ideas lol like a rogue-lite where you can upgrade the starting count of dudes or their toughness etc, or additional puzzly ideas, etc.
I've followed either way and will keep an eye out in the future for what you make! :D