Even if the graphics were crudely implemented to begin with (hint: just hack something out in your spare time), you should see a big increase in the number of followers!
Thirded, and isn't there that beautiful graphic set over in the graphics thread. That would look so cool.
DoomRL has REAL atmosphere with the sounds and ASCII representation. It feels great and plays very well. I think if new people saw the graphics it would tempt them into trying the game out and the game play would make them come back for more. You could have some really nice screenshots over at TIGSource for example.
IMHO, I think I would write an engine that could work with the graphics. Forget making all the levels, just have one level to start with, cram in a random bunch of bad guys and release that.
1) Tell your chosen indie site that you are going for graphics and get them a screenshot of the tileset.
2) A week or so later, release your one level design so now there is a screenshot of the graphics in action.
3) Work on implementing more of the game, a DoomRL Lite with some levels and a sense of progression, release that.
4) Release the game in it's entirety. This gradual progression will keep you in the public eye for a few weeks, should interest a lot of people.
Having said all that...
Good luck with the PhD, to be honest, I want to hear that is going well rather than this tileset idea.
Edit: PhD, not PHD. I'm such an uncultured swine.
