[eluser]WanWizard[/eluser]
I think there are several great ORM implementations available.
In general, the more you move up the application stack, the more difficult it's going to get to find something that works for everyone. CodeIgniters appeal is that it is fast, basic, and extendible.
I think it would be more useful to have a proper CodeIgniter 'addons' site, like mojoaddons, so people know where to find addons, docs, etc. It would also allow some of us to get some beer money to compensate for all those late nights...