This has been the case since 2009...
I left the admin account set to the original SMF theme so if I somehow completely wedge the custom theme I can still get in to fix it.
I've got a neat little 12x12 coin image to replace those pip stars with. Should look nice. Also some nice button images to try.
The registration page has "hide your e-mail address" unchecked by default. I must fix that in php before we can open up.
The Announcements forum is currently moderator access only.
No need to contact him. Unless OP has found an actual bug, this is not something new.