Silly question, but what about adding an XML component that you can use to build the gui from?
If you set esenthel c++ variables- the usecontrole, search keys, events, settings, layout, tooltips, game variable, elements, etc. (I could ramble on for a while) in the engine itself, what about allowing the engine to read the xml and output what you do on the screen for the client?
I might be way off on this, but it is just an idea. I know most engines i have worked on used xml as the gui design output, and c++, lua, and even python as the controllers for the scripts/code.
The nice thing i found with xml based gui/ui's is that once the controllers and search keys are in the engine, it makes the job of placing the elements and even graphics where you want them to go. Also makes editing a lot easier.. especially from a graphic designers point of view.
I do not know if that makes any sense, as I have a difficult time explaining at times what is in my head. But if anyone understands what I mean, please feel free to pick up where i left off at, or correct me where I need correcting.
Peace,
Sarrene'