[HM666]

Originally Posted by cellarius

Not if you were smart about it. Using tools like Template Modification System (TMS), creating good documentation along the way. Upgrading could be a real pain during the early vB4 releases, I agree - but you really should not run those anyway, bugwise. But if you have file edits that make overwriting the original files of the same version a real pain, then you're most likely doing it wrong. Given the plugin system there is not much need for file edits, but if you do them, keep them properly documented and use diff tools.

Which is a stupid suggestion, really.

Agreed. I've never really understood someone who goes and heavily codes into the hard PHP files unless absolutely necessary. I've had MANY heavily modified forums and NEVER had to touch the core files ever. Even when installing mods. Oh and I stayed away from mods like the auto template system mod mentioned by cellarius its super buggy and why have another query or install another mod and open yourself further for potential risks for things that you can manually yourself if you just read the directions from what ever mod you are installing?