yes but wordpress is on version 2.65 (stable), I am not sure how it is changed but Xpress was I understand only an alteration of about 10 files in wordpress. So maybe Wordpress changed and the alerations weren't as easy.

I would perhaps use Lifetype but again it is not up to date

I too liked WeBLog as I personally I think any blog module needs to be simple and only have a few extras.....

•ability to grade posts
•tagging
•image integration
•a related posts feature

you can add these using old wordpress plugins to xpress, my problem with xpress is that it duplicates the side blocks by putting in the wordpress side bar and makes everything cluttered.

I too admire the coders, I can hack a little but no to that extent, my suspicion is that they start young or as a hobby and find it takes over their life, so they must either learn to make money from it (like instant-zero) or give it up when their skills get them a well paid job. There is also an element of this whole internet and coding deal that is incompatible with having a relationship unless it is with someone who also loves computing.