Thanks for the suggestions. I try to incorporate them when I can if they fit the vision of what I intend the theme to be, if I don't there is usually a reason why. I'll reply to yours from top to bottom.
1. I think the border is what makes this theme different from other themes docks. It is the container that holds the icons and without it there is little reason to have the dock hide-able. Plus I like the effect of having my wallpapers in a frame like its a picture on a wall.
2. WB/MB slots are where they are because of the dock (can't go left/right or they would be under/over the dock, it can't go up else it will impede upon the Status Text area (the Status Text area is at top to allow viewing while thumb is across the screen).
3. Date/Button area is as it is because it is just a real time consuming pain to have to try to code the coordinates to move the button/bottom icons up and move the date down (it took me a while to get them just right and evenly spaced to each other and the border/side of screen). Plus I would probably lose 2 icons in the process.
4. Dock animation is what it is for the S1, I run .230 and it is better than .148 (I guess you already know this), and is better going down than coming up. The Storm 1 will probably never have as smooth animation as I would like, but I can live with it. Perhaps the S2 will be better with more memory/newer technology etc.
Like I said in the OP, this theme is not for everyone, but I have and always will respect everyone's suggestions/opinions although I can't incorporate them all. I hope you will understand.:)