i gotta say its looking far better.
top layout - this is ok but the big red caps buttons look dead clumsy
2nd layout - quite stylish, like it
3rd layout - overal its ok placement wise but the background is far too loud and again the big red buttons
4th layout - not so loud and stylish
my suggestions are you take a look at other programs and take some notes. the biggest mistake i think you are making is not fading the backgrounds because they are way too intrusive.
http://users.on.net/paulhiggins/rlie
if you look at my site (not a major graphical master piece by anymeans) but you'll notice how the background keeps the graphical nature while not intruding with the text above it.
you've got the right idea with these blue background ones, don't be scared to keep it stylish and simple. all the extra pics and stuff don't do it justice. remember that the gamer will be spending hours on this most likely so if its too loud and flash it will become tiring to view. also remember to keep it consistent, don't use totally different designs from page to page, only minor changes.