Did my best to solve this on my own and i admit defeat, so sorry for the stupid questions.
I use Windowblinds on Windows 10, along with SIB 2.9.20 - it overall works fantastic, I use StartisBack and just use a blank PNG for the start button, so I can use Windowblind skinned start button.
However, I MUST use an actual... i guess viewable image for SIB to force load over the regular Windows 10 start menu, if I use a blank PNG on SIB, then when i click the start button, the SIB menu loads, but then it gets covered by the default Windows 10 start menu. I can press ESC to close the windows 10 start menu and then only have the SIB menu open, but it's a hassle. Pressing the windows button also will bring up the SIB menu and not the windows 10 menu - it sounds like such a minor issue, but as my muscle memory for over 17 years has been clicking the start button with my mouse, it's tough to break. Is there any registry settings I can tweak that will force SIB to open when clicking the start button?
Also I am aware this isn't really an issue with SIB, it works fantastically and even SIB skins the start menu better than Windowblinds, utilizing their themes. I know this an issue with Windowblinds, but as we know, Stardock aren't keen on benefiting anything that won't benefit them - i didn't even bother asking over there due to that.