Even if someone doesn't have an external programmer, I don't see a reason not to use the sockets. At least that way you have the option if you ever need it. Just my 2 cents.
Oh man, customizing it is where the fun is! Maybe change the startup beep to a recording of your 2 year old laughing.I don't have a programmer and I'm not messing with the image; I'm real happy with it the way it is.
And I have a 2 year old and a newborn, so I don't sleep well anyway