Yes, getting matched up with someone who has different interests is a great idea since you'll have to work with a (completely) different theme than you're used to. Another point of discussion is whether people should be matched according to geographical location? (Some prefer this to save on shipping costs, although it limits the possibilities...)
Customising can be broad; from painting to stickers to swapping parts to swapping accesoires, ... Do what you're comfortable with.
I'd offer to volunteer for the organisation, but I don't know if you're comfortable with sending me your adresses.
If this would be the case however, it would have to wait until after my exams, somewhere in the beginning of February.
Gaetano