FAB 40 Templates from Microsoft

I have been disappointed with the few Fab40 templates (http://www.microsoft.com/sharepoint/templates.mspx) I've installed from microsoft (KnowledgeBase and Employee Events).  Out of the box, neither performed like I would have expected.

The workflow permissions for the Employee Event were not set to allow anyone but administrators to sign up, and registrations are not put into a list for the ability to email or export...  The KnowledgeBase doesn't have the ability to easily add pictures (i.e. screenshots for how to do stuff).

Am I missing something major, or have others had similarly disappointing experiences?

Well, they serve much better as examples of what is possible in SP site.  Remember also that when you use them they truly are "templates" even in the SharePoint use of the word and as a result are "unghosted" from the site definition.

I completely agree with Chris; these are for example purposes only and should never be installed in a production environment.  Every aspect of these templates are created using SharePoint Designer and there is no support for them.  I receive calls and questions about them every week so it is a very common problem.

I think Microsoft should have done a better job telling people this are for example purposes only...

 Well, that explains that.  Bummer.