It looks like we'd basically have to write our own version of "parseBoolean" in order to do that.  I think that if we're going to do that we should just go ahead and do something like what @nicklewis suggested, in kitchensink.

My vote is to punt on that for now, maybe file a jira for it, and don't invest the time on it unless it actually comes up as an issue for someone at some point.  That said, I can knock it out right now if people think it's important enough.