good news folks. I got it working, the data importation and exportation that is. the python side automates the ruby application that dose the conversion to my own format and then loads that data itself. the process takes about 8 seconds from start to finish (ruby import and python loading) and I've even got a progress bar working. I've also got the map tree working, you can't edit any data yet though. next step is to get the maps to display properly.
and yes this is all running on my extension system so that the main application doesn't have to worry about how the loader or any other component works. it simply obtains the component and calls the methods it assumes that said component has. Duck Typeing at it's best. I wish I could cut down on the over head configuration though. the script that import the core components is going to be LONG when it's all done.
latest has been pushed to git hub