Say I want a tower defense template, so I pay $10 and get the template. Now I want to make some changes because, being a generic template, it's not exactly what I need. Since I didn't code it, and it can be assumed I don't know how to code it since I had to buy it, will the developer provide the kind of support I need to add features, change logic, etc?
I guess this is where quality assurance comes in. I think if you release a template, like a space shooter or something, then it should be modular and heavily commented so you shouldn't even need to ask the creator about it. Have it cover horizontal AND vertical shmups, give it a bunch of enemies with different AI, include numerous weapons and explain in detail how each one was made and how to adjust them, etc.
The whole point of this template is to provide a good base to get started and build on, but most of all get you to a point where you understand how x type of game works so you are capable of doing your own thing with it. If it can't do that then it should be rejected..or something. A rating system would be nice.
Hm..that sounds more like an in-depth tutorial than a template. I guess there's a pretty fine line between the two. Blah.