> So my suggested plan would be to
> a) improve the button list immediate feedback
> b) improve and extend the progress bar
> c) make use of the progress bar in (many) more places
> Then it might be worth spending time or money to improve the visuals.

My feeling would be that including the visual designer earlier may be 
more effective. Perhaps even at the start in an advisory way.

Also if the visual designer produces helpful designs and plans then some 
of this work could be completed by others somewhat independently of the 
above.

I, like Todd, would be willing to invest in this area.

Z.