I don't have time to commit to development, but I'm certainly interested in hearing about the project. You may be new, but you're already jumping in with valuable contributions. Some people who have been here a while still aren't doing that. Besides, "Luke" is a great name. ;)

being flagged multiple times by a few big players could really destroy my reputation on Steemit.

Depending on who you get flagged by, it could be a bade of honor. :) I may not not increase the number next to your name, but if you're truly working to benefit the value of the network, investors and users alike will reward that approach. Besides, most people around here realize the number isn't really a healthy measure of reputation. Some people who irrationally flag others and self vote have high reputations by number than what the community at large might give them.