here's a solution for manila,
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=430527
the start menu can be changed w/a good .tsk.
i've noticed the "allblack.tsk" looks great, but doesn't change the highlight color for the start menu, etc.
what i have found works is to install another .tsk (i prefer the "HTC_New_default.tsk") that changes the green highlight color to a grey.
*edit* the .tsk is too large. search for it, if you can't find it i'll try to host it somewhere.