So what do the thmers want or need from WD?

Nope, you’re wrong.

In all actuality major changes had been started well before Joey had started themeing.

This is when major changes were started to be played with:

http://community.wdc.com/t5/WD-TV-Live-Hub-Themes/Mini-Theming/td-p/138902/highlight/true

This is Joeys first theme:

http://community.wdc.com/t5/WD-TV-Live-Hub-Themes/My-1st-Live-Hub-Theme-Project/td-p/151136

Take notice of post dates.