In using Swadesh, I find that in some cases, it's a bit too universal. In some cases, when you deal with a specific area, it would be helpful to include areal foods, flora and fauna --which Swadesh, of course, does not provide. Such a list could tell the source and direction of loanwords, etc.
In Mesoamerica, many of the words for foods and cooking implements go back to Mixe-Zoque.
Lists could also be developed for various stages and domains such as city life and government.
While some of the people on the list could have real fun chasing their own tails, I think some real good could come from them.