I assume there's going to be the knee jerk reaction in this thread about not touching a classic.

No doubt the idea is classic, and combined with the writing and performances shaped American sitcom. But, I fail to see how a British version would take anything away from the original, even if it becomes more popular (very unlikely) in the same way the American version of The Office overshadowed (at least to Americans) the original British version. If anything, it would just spark a renewed interest in the original for a generation and demographic that never saw the original in broadcasts or syndication. The original is a distinctly American take on pub culture from a particular time. With a new cultural reference and a new millennium I have no doubt that there are new stories to be told. I don't think an American reboot would hit the same though, too many expectations. A British version could be allowed to be different enough to be vital. The new show may suck, but it won't be because the whole concept is a bad idea.