I create threads on most items posted in the Game Balance forums that involve item stats. It's difficult to agree on mechanics changes and even moreso trying to implement them in a timely manner. I think it's good that we're all discussing what possible easy/best solutions exist for these issues. I'm only confident in making small tweaks to existing functions since I can't test larger changes as of yet. As for animations, you have to message Tydeus and bug him enough to change it, unless someone else is willing to change it.
Balancing is difficult. But add new items shouldn't be so hard. We had quite nothing new since the begining of the year (except the crusader sword).
A group was recently established to address those concerns