I tried to read the letter but the unfortunate use of typeface (font) in the letter made it unreadable a few paragraphs in (it gave me a headache). Seriously, typography is essential. Just my two cents.

This is an interesting subject to watch as I have been a customer of Woo Themes, Elegant Themes and independents via Theme Forest, etc. I've tried the bare bones Genesis and Thesis frameworks. I like the Yoo Themes guys.

I'm a WP designer but would rather not be a dev. I've been forced to learn some coding due to the demands of clients. I have not found the perfect theme or framework yet but I don't expect to any time soon. Optional extensible features seem like the best way to go for now.

WordPress is going through growing pains. Some are like a crackling throat, some are like an athlete making graceful strides.

I'm still somewhat of a WordPress noob. Thanks for the article.