Welcome, Cheftrendz.
I wrote a custom template tutorial. I hope it helps. Check it out.
Custom Template Tutorial - Click Here
As far as 'they' go. They are wicked people. They have crossed the line one too many times. What may seem like fun and games to them, isn't funny to most everyone else. Wrong action comes with consequences. Laugh it up while you can, ha, ha, ha. Given enough rope, they'll hang themselves and when the floor drops out, I'll be there to watch.
Anyway, enough about them.
If you need any help, just ask. They're plently of people (staff and members) who will help.