Hey, zork! I developed this idea a few days ago and thought it was totally original and genuine. Then I saw
this on vranx.com while looking for secure aura template examples. So apparently we have not being the first to come up with this in common.
As for the time span concept I think that it is a bit too sophisticated for taking a peek on the buffs while in a raiding environment.
And there is no need to remove the FontStrings. The users can do that themselves (Interface->Buffs and Debuffs->Buff Duration). I personally like having them.
You can take a look at the buff module in my
project repository if you like.