anyone know of an good way to search/sort through EIPs? or, at a minimum, some way to gauge whether or not you're reinventing some wheel that's already out there?

books, computers, collaboration
https://iammitch.com

eh, I guess official listing isn't too bad (particularly the categories at top): https://eips.ethereum.org/

* core protocol consigliere @ Ethereum Foundation
* funding core devs with @protocolguild (member)
* creating artifacts @ Stateful Works

might be more ERC, not entirely sure. Looking for escrow/consignee agreement mechanisms. Can elaborate more if needed

What are you looking to avoid reproducing? 

And Is it an EIP or an ERC