Dynamic views - fail

Ok - so I was (and am) loving the look of the Dynamic views template in blogger however the lack of control over the customization was killing me.  I have switched back temporarily until blogger makes a few needed updates or I can write my own code. I know widgets and crap are not the coolest but I do want to house some links and things occasionally and like having that option.  Thank you for your patience while I change up the blog... the few of you out there reading this blog.