I think the hardest thing when running a copy of vB is to learn
php for vBulletin - it uses a lot of functions for grabbing the data which aren't documented on the php or mySQL site - obviously.

For the newbie this all seems very strange!
Once a basic understanding of these query functions, while and for statements and how variables are passed between forms - it seems to be a hell of a lot easier. Then people can start making adjustments and small hacks. I think its great
I'm at this first now, modified the source of my forums and released a mini hack. If I can do it, anyone can with a bit of time and patience.
Good work.