We had this idea. a 8051 programmer for all devices. we choose pins and voltages (and current?) with a multiturn switch. tell us What do you want programmed. do you want to join us? Ralesh will start the sourceforce sproject. go Ralesh :)
To make a truly universal programmer that really, thoroughly, supports all devices is an absolutely massive undertaking - and one that is never complete, because new devices are coming out all the time!
A multiturn switch is no fun if it has to select a random number of pins out of maybe 40 or 44 or 48 or whatever.
You must be able to direct VCC to one or more pins. You must be able to direct GND to one or more pins.
If the chip is using SPI, then you must direct these signals to correct pins.
If the cihp is using JTAG, then you must direct these signals to correct pins.
For high-voltage parallel programming, you will have a huge number of signals to route.