I have created a program and addon for blender that makes python scripting for Rigs easier. You can dragNdrop slider controls and toggle switches to a User Interface panel that you create with the click of a mouse. The file .blend in the zip is an example of what you can do. The program is for windows only though, sorry!
Check out video Tutorial here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DKxgw24u0o&feature=share&list=PL8A1DD070211FCEE7
So I can make this available in other platforms please consider donating to support this project. https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Q6EFBTWU6Z39A
excellent work, recommend this for anyone who likes to rig.