If you're going to go the customization route, this might be of help: http://blog.oak-tree.us/index.php/2009/11/02/custom-lyx-nih
It talks about creating a custom layout for an existing document class. Related posts with more examples can be found at: http://blog.oak-tree.us/index.php/2009/11/14/customize-lyx-character-styles (Character styles) http://blog.oak-tree.us/index.php/2010/05/19/latex-cv-part4 (Second example of how to create a layout for an existing document class. The other posts in the same series how to write a custom document class.) Best of luck in the endeavor!
