Dear Mark Hammer
I agree totally with you that using a pot in a wah pedal is like wearing button up shoes. I am aware that sometime ago Morley had a system where they used light and some sort of shutter, (I never owned one so I don't know, but I do recall they were BIG.)
Okay now that you've asked the question, what solution comes to mind, that can be implemented, given the resources of the common man?

I have seen a few set ups where a LED/LDR arrangement was used, this took care of the noise factor, and wah pedals are noisy.

Though a pot still had to be used.
Answering a question with a question, don't you hate that!
Yours Sincerely
Mark Abbott