Netspot on iPad would be the uber-shizz, but, like you say, that’s probably never going to happen.
That being the case, have you given any thought to Android? I keep an old Android handset in the toolbag for that very reason. I love iOS, but the lack of a wireless API makes it a crummy network tool.
I’m not a programmer, so I have no idea how much of a hassle that would be. I imagine you wouldn’t be able to re-use any existing code. Just thought I’d toss the idea out there, though.