We don't need a project/goal to reignite interest, we need all the boring people to just get themselves interested and see whatever the hell develops out of that.
There's a shitload of new stuff since people last played, but just this last 1.7 update has doubled the number of biomes, added new trees and flowers, and has stained glass blocks and panes, so there's plenty of potential for doing different things.
Or even just doing the same things as other people have done, because - you know: it's fun, and more than one person is allowed to have fun!
:C