I get the idea. The Python part of the patch demonstrates what you're
getting at, though it can't be used as is - for example the
getattr(logging, a, a) could lead to problems. However a more
intelligent parser (which looked for specific keywords recognised by
basicConfig(), and got the correct values accordingly) wouldn't be much
more complicated. (I'll look at enhancing this part.)

As for the changes to main.c - I am a C/C++ developer but have not made
any changes to Python C code so far - it would be good if a more
experienced committer reviews this part (not sure who - can someone
please reassign/add to nosy list)? Thanks.