Some open source packages are already offering this feature and while Adobe's dng converter wont run on Linux/Wine it can be installed. Generally curves are offered that mimic camera settings and a standard one which on a D7000 didn't impress me.
I have had a lot of problems sorting out a profile for a D7000 and this seems to be the only sensible option. Ufraw currently complains if one is force loaded but does remain open.