[Templates] Benefits of Modularity/Usability

[Hann, Brian]

Hey guys,
 
This is my second dilemma related to using TT in the open-source BBS I'm
working on.
We are aiming to create templates in such a way that the common user is
easily able
to change look and feel without having to muck around too much in difficult
TT syntax.
 
The question I have is whether it is better to create separate templates for
each screen (
even if similar templates only differ by a few lines), OR if it is better to
create one
"over-template" for similar templates and then create external blocks for
the parts that differ.
You would just include a certain block depending on which template you
wanted.
 
The block method would make less content to go through, but would be harder
to
understand for the lowest common denominator.  The other method would be the
opposite; more content to go through and easier to understand.
 
Of course there might be other ways of doing this that I haven't even
thought of.  The
main concern expressed by the majority of users is ease of use/installation
and the
learning curve that must be overcome before true customization can be
started.
 
As always, I am thankful for any advice you can give me,
 
Brian Hann