my theory goes like this.

Each processor gets a small piece of code telling it what it function is. all processor are tied together on a global bus( slow SPI i2c) and tied to the processors closest to it.(fast parrel). Processor on the edge of the collective will recieve data from sensors. (Video Sound DAC ). Software will be able to update each processors function based on need. One function assinged first is Master Controller. if multiple master controllers are detected they "flip a coin" for controll winner stays master losers waits for master to assigned it a function. There would be two master controlers Primary and backup.

I don't know if this idea will ever become very useful, but I got the idea after watching a documentry on the human brain. Also I found some info in ZISC (Zero Instruction Set Processors). Basically the collective recieves information which is made avaiable to all porcessors, processers that reconize this info based on it's function takes it and processes it further and make the results avaible to all processors. Processor next to each could be clusted to help speed up a function. Also some processors with a function would sent command to other processors and possible egded processors controlling external devices.

Just an Idea. You know for fun and stuff.