So what's the deal with the vertical dock theming?

So I've been dealing with it for a few months, but I'm very determined now to get rid of the black background on the vertical dock in Leopard. I ditched that ugly white border ages ago, but the background is obviously something that needs to be tackled through other means. Just so we're clear, this is what's there (and I believe many people are stuck with from what I've read):



So, I've been doing my searches, but I keep finding the same response - there isn't a solution.

Maybe that's the case, but I'd like to make sure - I'm a minimalist guy and I love my screen real estate, it's been bothering me for ages.


Let me know what you know - it's appreciated!

Thanks in advance.