If you do make the switch, I would set up a mirror site (like beta.yoursite.com) to test the theme on and get the layout the way you want before you upload it.

How much css and html did you need to learn and how long (in hours) did it take for the transfer and learning? I have a free theme (webby blue) and I'm thinking of purchasing thesis, but am quite time constrained these next few months.

I'd say I spent about 4 hours a day for 3 days from default Thesis to where it is today. This doesn't count time I spent in Photoshop designing my header. I did have prior knowledge of HTML so I didn't have to learn much there. You really just need to know the basics of HTML - <> (open element), </>(close), etc. CSS I was familiar with, but I didn't quite understand how to use the positioning elements (float, margins, etc.) until I found a good tutorial. Once you understand custom functions and hooks, it's dead simple to expand Thesis, but it might take a few hours before it "clicks". 

Someday, I'll probably pay a professional to design it, but I think it's acceptable the way it is at the moment. Others may disagree haha. 

I started with a free theme that I liked and looked "ok", but didn't provide a lot of flexibility. I finally switched to Thesis a few weeks ago and it's waaaayyy better. I can add things where I want them, my site loads a bit faster, and there's ton of tutorials to teach me how to do stuff. If you can spare the cash, I recommend getting it. Be aware though, that you will need to learn a bit of CSS and HTML to really make it worth it.

There is a learning curve (if you know basic html and css you can figure it out) but the forum is very comprehensive. I usually just seach for my question and it's already been asked and answered. Of course, we joined as an affiliate so if you want to buy through us, we'll let you :-)

By the way, Brian Clark, formerly of DIY Themes (owner of Thesis), is one of the owners of Studio Press. 

Feel free to email me if you want more information.

Good luck!

PS, that's my affiliate link, I know I prob didn't have to say but just letting everyone know....

I also have thought about changing the name to my site, I am going through a ton of personal struggles in my own life, my blog has been my way of sharing my mind with the world.  However, the title and the niche needs to be altered slightly to fall into line with the next phase of ideas that I am going to cover, a lot of it has to do with the mind, leading a simple life, and how all that affects our money, career, and relationships.  

Plus I think it'll help me get rid of the financeurlife.com that isn't that great.  The next one will be FinanceYourMind.com

I guess the biggest drawback will be that my page rank and all my links will have to be redirected?  Correct.  Leave your thoughts. 

I consider my blog to be like a child that evolves over time, it goes through struggles and triumphs, this is just one of those phases.  

S

Atahualpa is free, allows the webmaster to customize pretty much anything, and, has an awesome support forum when you do get stumped.

I do know a few people who have been really happy with Atahualpa too but I haven't tried that out yet.