Sorry Harry but I have to disagree with you.
I've recently been playing with OpenRemote and it has proven me to be a rock solid option. OpenRemote Controller 2.0 worked out of the box on my Debian-based home automation server and remotes are freely available from the Android app store. Remotes auto-detect Controllers and load the GUI panels from them. On the other hand, designing custom panels for iPhones, iPads and Android may be a little tricky depending on the protocol being used, but this is just the initial learning curve. I'm now able to create new sensors and switches from OpenRemote Designer in seconds.
Harry, have you tried to post your questions in the OpenRemote user forum?
The OpenRemote team helped me a lot along my first steps, don't hesitate to post your questions there.
This is my own review about OpenRemote and the integration with my wireless arduino software-compatible modules:
http://www.panstamp.com/announcements/openremotecontrolspanstamps
Don't give up Harry!