figured it out, so posting here in case anyone else needs/wants to do the same
SHOWTHREAD template
FIND:
Code:
<vb:if condition="$show['quickreply']">
<div id="qr_defaultcontainer" class="blockfoot floatcontainer">
CHANGE TO:
Code:
<vb:if condition="$show['quickreply']">
<div id="qr_defaultcontainer" class="block floatcontainer">
This will make that area behind the text area the same as your main 'block_background'
So now my blockfoot_background isn't governing that area.
--------------- Added 23 Nov 2009 at 12:56 ---------------
now to get rid of that glowy part =S
EDIT: changed the attached image after correcting 'label' on it.