It may be an easier way to get the basic functionality (and I don't mean to discount your answer as a learning exercise), but I don't like having a huge array of different clients for different filesystems or repositories. I actually like useful integrations into existing browsers. Since browsers like Nautilus and Windows Explorer are built for expansion, I gather that other users must like that too.

Your suggestion of creating a limited browser as a stopgap on the path to ultimate integration is a good one.