The reason I thought this would work was because of the slight sweet after taste, which the vanilla might cut. If it cut it just a little and a little sweetness remained, I think it would work.
Heck, you are never going to know for sure until you try it. Part of the joy of home brewing is trying new things; that is also one of the best ways of learning. It sounds a little out there but I would try a pint if I saw it at my local brewery.
Maybe split the batch into 2, try the vanilla and one half and leave the other half clean. I have had mixed results with vanilla beans. If it does not turn out how you hope, at least you would still have the other half to enjoy or experiment with.