The main problem I have had with Real is the issue of every piece of the UI being textured/skinned to Real. I really want to enjoy Real because I think you've got an amazing project but those missing textures hurt.
I use Elv as well and they have this addon that helps skin items, would this by chance help in what I and possibly other people could be looking for?
http://www.tukui.org/addons/index.php?act=view&id=128