Pictures can easily be added. All we need to do is take the snap shots and turn the "Picture Button" to on. The ability to put the member's picture next to their name in the directory is there. We simply need to take the pictures!
As for recognition of Birthdays and the like, the first thing I did when I became President last year was to sit down with Bev Herzil and created a "Members Touch" position for all the reasons you have mentioned. Bev took up the reins and has coordinated the effort for the past year. She even set-up a Chapter 582 account with a local florist for those unfortunate times when we have needed their service.
Although we have not been able to easily track member's birthdays until now... we have tried to stay on top of the more significant events that have befallen our members. I do however, like your suggestion of birthday acknowledgements and hope to get to that detail soon. At least we now have the ability to track them and send a note.
Finally, as for your spelling concerns, a mild form of spell checker does exist in the software and is already on board... If you miss spell a wurd.... the software will immediately underline that word in red... then if you right click on the wurd.... you will be given an option to correct the spelling. So, there you are.... Mr. Price!