Well I'm actually working on the next version right now. The problem with the phrases being removed after a vB upgrade is a simple fix, but the templates will most likely always be removed. That one's not a big deal though since it only removes any that you haven't customized, plus there's the option in the installer to only install the templates.

What do you mean about the problems with the login block and calendar? There aren't any issues with either of those that I'm aware of...