Ok i have a new idea here. Its a Shield/Host for Arduinos. Arduino Uno style shield or Arduino Pro Mini Host. Allows for communication via UART and Programming of Arduino or ESP8266 via FTDI port. Also has a 1.5A @ 3.3v buck DC-DC style power supply. Select-able 5v or 3.3v Arduino Mini Pro power. Buffer for UART to level convert the UART signals in case its set to a 5v system.
To program ESP using FTDI is simple. DO NOT CONNECT ARDUINO!
Jump using 2 wires D3 to TX and D2 to RX and you can now program via FTDI. Be sure to set to FLASH mode and reset.
Thoughts?
P.S. All arduino pins from Uno and Pro Mini are connected so its also a breakout!