Alright, I've purchased ObjectDesktop in its entirety. I have enormous amounts of disposable income, what do I care.
I'm moving along quite nicely! I've significantly customized my task bar, start menu, icons, etc. I've also downloaded Rainmeter and begun tinkering with that. It's also worth mentioning I'm running a tri-monitor set up, although only two at once: I have a dual monitor desk that also connects to my Plasma TV. Just in case there are any dual-monitor-specific customizations someone can recommend, or Large-Screen-Display customizations.
I have a new question: is there any way to disable live folders? I find I don't really like them aesthetically, and given that I already know where everything is in my PC, I don't need them. Thanks again for the great advice and warm reception, guys.