Snacktime and I did "the highlights" from GA to VA in five weeks, which included every icon of the trail we could get too. We even spent 2 days at Trail Days. It involved lots and lots of driving and no backpacking....just day hikes. We did have a great time and met EVERYONE and saw EVERYTHING (almost). If you plan to thruhike anyway, and are just trying to get a taste of the trail, I'd recommend this approach....lots of fun.
An idea of our trip in no particular order: Approach Trail Arch at Amicalola, Springer Trailhead, Mountains Crossing (Neel Gap) and There and back up Blood Mtn, Wayah Bald Tower, NOC, Max Patch, Hot Springs, Uncle Johnnie's, Kincora, Laurel Falls, Clingmans Dome, Newfound Gap, Fontana Dam, Overmountain Shelter, Damascus & Trail Days, Grayson Highlands, White Top & Creeper Trail bike ride, James River Footbridge, Guillotine, McAfee Knob, Dragon's Tooth, the Homestead restaurant, SNP: Stony Man, Big Meadows, Elkwallow Wayside (blackberry ice cream), Snickers Gap, Keyes Gap, Harpers Ferry.
I'm sure there was more, but you get the idea. We stayed at lots of hostels or slept in the car, but that was OUR adventure. You pick and choose what YOU want to see!
Let me know if you still want me to forward the plan we discussed in the PM, or if you want to change your direction.