New ideas are all good and well but what it needs is for the fans to step up to the plate and get involved in them. From discussions I've had in the past the club have historically been fearful of attempting anything out with the norm as the take-up of things has usually led to them ending up out of pocket or with lots of excess stock. This idea is one that can be done on an individual basis and not lead to this situation. It needs the fans to now get involved in it and show that there is things that can be done, without an initial outlay and the fear of not making much from it due to apathy.
As you say, there is many places this could go like T Shirts, mugs, mousemats etc.