Regarding tables, we went back and forth endlessly trying to figure out how to solve this problem. Unfortunately, we could not satisfy our target browser market and get the look that we wanted without *some* tables in the Matrix theme. However, I am happy to say that the Floatrix theme that comes with G2.1 is table free (except for the progress bar template which uses one .. oops — but few non-admins will see that). The Site and Item admin pages still use tables, but we are working on a UI redesign for those pages and with any luck we can get rid of tables there also. The short answer is — better table-free HTML+CSS is coming!

I have G2 installed on one site and I quite like it. Like you say, it handles photo storage above the web root, and it's certainly a general improvement over G1. The new module architecture is excellent. If I recall correctly, upgrading from G1 was pretty smooth.

With G1, that I had to edit core files to remove some tables that interfered with my layout. I don't think I had this issue with G2, but I'd still love to see a table-free design.

It would also be nice if G2 would function with the Master Value for Safe Mode set to On. My server defaults to Local=Off, Master=On. To get Gallery to work, I have to edit the httpd.conf file for the site. That's not a big problem until I edit that site's configuration, at which point the server overwrites my httpd.conf file and Gallery stops working.

I've now tried out Plogger and zenphoto but neither of them left me feeling free enough to depart the deep waters of Gallery. G2 has set a standard in my mind for gallery application functionality, and any hopeful usurpers will have to earn their victory!