Exactly. Its a modern setting that could easily incorporate some cyberpunk elements since that's in vogue, but regardless it'd be filled with espionage, modern storytelling techniques which I'm sure Sony would love, and tons of cool gadgets and weapons of tomorrow. Plus the tasers, man, the tasers. The simple gameplay loop of tasing someone until their head ignites is up their with Mario in terms of timeless appeal.
On the topic of comparing old Syphon Filter sales to current gen, I think that's a bit unfair considering the market and environmental factors that are generations apart. I mean the 90's had rentals, easier piracy, borrowing etc. Plus the market was much smaller back then along with much higher development and marketing costs that dominate the current sphere. Not to mention the time needed to make a game with much smaller teams back in the day. I miss it frankly.
Love Jaffe's comment to Jason, "Calm down and go write another book you fucker!". Hahahahaha!