[Freesteyelz]

1) You can create custom Profile Fields in the Admin CP that can be displayed and edited during registration. The setup is easy. It is rare that you'll mess with the database unless by intention of SQL Query or mod that requires it.

Just the initial view of the admin's options can be overwhelming at first. No matter how experienced the user is it will take time to adjust to the routines and placements of features, templates and codes. Although phpBB cannot compare, even remotely, to vB's structure with your experience you'll have a an advantage.

Unfortunately, because for licensing concerns, unlicensed members cannot view the codes for the hacks. The screenshots should be made available but the restriction is vB's default behavior and a hack will be needed to change it. The admins are considering it but at this time there is no word if this can be done easily.

2) vBulletin provides people to do a test run on their special server as Admins. You can find the link here. While you won't be able to view the PHP files, once you've logged in as Admin, you can see the control panel and have a go for 24 hours. While the demo doesn't give you the full range of vB's capacity, you should get an idea how things work. Don't worry, however. vBulletin is quite complex so 24 hours is not enough time to figure everything out. It'll take weeks to months.

3) The majority of the coders/designers here specialize in vB modding. It really depends on the type of mods you want but I'm sure you'll be able to work out something with at least a handful of these talented people. The services work by posting in a Service forum thread and when a coder/designer is interested he/she will get in contact with you privately. From there the involved party(ies) work it out.