Dear Frank,
Thanks for the offer, but unfortunately that's not my main concern.
Okay. I'm slowly figuring out how I can help.
In order to create a GPC that compiles itself, we need run-time libraries that provide OS routines. I assume that every OS provides such libraries independent of GCC's existence or version in the system.
Given that GPC's Pascal is, in your own words, Turing Complete, I assume it is possible to write in the current version of GPC the code to implement any future version of GPC, regardless of the new features. I am not daunted by the difficulties you list in implementing new features, such as destructors. For example, going back and re-writing sections of GPC using its own new features is optional, and if the original code is clear, should be painless.
Thus, re-writing GPC in Pascal seems to me to be a Pascal programming job. If there are enough development hours available, it is an elegant and long-lasting solution to GPC's problems.
I can program in Pascal. I could write a lexer, a parser, or any other part of the program. I will be happy to help out. If I'm starting with C code that needs to be translated into Pascal, then I will probably be able to get translations done with the minimum of help from you.
In the long run, I would be glad to help maintain a self-compiling GPC. If you choose the self-compile route, I'll up my offer of two hours a week to five hours a week for the next three months.
Furthermore, this is not a rush job: the existing GPC works fine for now. If we get the self-compile version done in a year, that will be soon enough, and it will last for the rest of our lives.
Yours, Kevan