Main reason why it's taking me so long, other than the fact that I'm making the hack solo, and other than the fact that work is draining motivation, is that I find mapping BORING. -,-
But eh... I'll finish it eventually. :P
It's very easy to learn how to hack these days. Well, hack 3rd gen. games, at least. I suggest you try out basic mapping and scripting.
And oh, use FireRed or Emerald as your base. ;)