The folks that dont allow jscript to run wouldnt be able to use the buttons. You think there are many?
as for the two, one is a big deal the other is probably an hour at tops...
Also, buttons are a user thing, XHTML/CSS thats a sysadmin, developer, backend thing. Not really comparable
While the use of correct XHTML and CSS may well be a "backend thing", some one has to modify the code that runs Perlmonks to add new features - either develop and test the Javascript, or make the changes to the HTML generation. Given the time constraints on vroom and other who maintain the software, plus the other suggestions for enhancements . . . .