Wordpress itself has gotten a whole lot easier, for example you can upload and search for themes right from the admin area. I was still doing it the old way until I watched the socrates video.

If you watch my video or the one Dan does on the official site, it really is as easy as what you see and you can literally be set up in minutes. It takes only a few extra minutes to install wordpress if you have fantastico or simple scripts on your hosting service cpanel.

The price tag of $77 is a little high but it is cheaper than Thesis which is another premium theme that does a lot more stuff than Socrates.

I would investigate that one as well. Socrates is more geared towards internet marketing and specifically towards the affiliate marketer.

Good luck and remember there are lots of experienced folks here at SSWT that are more than happy to help on any of the technical details. (Including me )

Good Luck