Yeah I was thinking about/fearing doing that too. I will try to get it right on my test server first but so far im getting a few related issues on that one too. Im thinking another hosting provider possibly too.
If this means anything, on my test server (same provider and package, different account) I get the same funny issues with the bkground images, but on my front-end I am getting the add to cart button, and I got it after I turned on my sh404sef using the .htaccess (no index.php in the url). I continue to scratch my head.
I should also note that the admin side bkgnd images will work sometimes randomly after clicking apply on some of the vm menus, only to disappear again after selecting another menu item.
[attachment cleanup by admin]