Customizing component look

This question has been asked here before and not answered. I’ve looked far and wide and the only reason I’m asking here is, while i have’t gotten a positive answer elsewhere, I’ve not heard a definite 'no you can’t" either. My question is this:

Is there any way to either change the look/feel/shape etc. of a flash component or to add component capabilities to a custom button? It is frustrating as a designer to want to have things with the functionality of a component, but to have to fit not-that-visually-pleasing components into my work. More than frustrating, it sucks. Plus, as I try to expand my skills, many tutorials semm to rely on components.

I hope someone can answer my question, even if it is a resounding 'no, you can’t".

Thanks a bunch.