Having someone skilled design a template for you is not expensive and considering how much time you likely spend on getting it right it’s downright cheap.
I like to concentrate on content. I do have definite ideas about design but have someone else put them to practice.
I agree with your views about content and that alone is a challenge since the industry is constantly in flux and so is your content site.
Just putting up some game rules isn’t all that hot for content anymore – everyone has those. Unique content is most valuable.