I dunno... I think it would be essentially the same for new users (since they have to look up things anyway), and it would certainly feel like PHP...

Actually, I agree. I have often thought there is a space for a revamped PHP, with compatible syntax (because people know it) but with many of the niggles removed and a better core library.

Accessible core libraries that are people are encouraged to use, stuff without a mess of dependencies to. You hardly ever seen introductions to PHP that encourage library use, it's mostly about rolling your own stuff.

I don't think that is such a great idea - stuff like == vs ===, PHP's class system and PHP's namespaces is all questionable...