I was curious, are the alpha testers just for reporting bugs, or can they influence cosmetic changes too?

The alpha team, like the population of this BBS, isn't shy about commenting on any subject. Whether it be bug reporting, wish-list items, etc., the alpha team says what's on their mind.

The thing to understand is that the developers listen to all suggestions, whether they come from the alpha team or from the "wish list" forum on this BBS. They make their own decisions, and the alpha team members don't have any more influence on those decisions than anyone else does.

I was also wondering if they were all tech people. I think it might be nice if you had some non-technically oriented minds on the team it would be nice.

Yes, there are some non-tech people on the team, chosen partially for that reason.

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Tony Fabris