Apfelwein's such a simple recipe, it's hard to change it. Whoops. I've got a modified version fermenting now, ask me how it comes out in a few weeks.
I agree fully on trying what other homebrewers are doing. I like to read other people's recipes; it gives me inspiration. A thread here recently inspired me to try to brew a banana beer for the springtime... but nothing like the banana beer that started the thread.
The big dilemma for me has been sharing recipes... Right now I'm drinking a really unique beer that's only ever had five gallons brewed, and well, if I share it, then I will no longer be the only one who's ever brewed it. Such a dilemma....
Yeah, I'd cave to pressure. I'm too much of an open-source geek to keep my secrets secret. And my current unique beer? California Common made with Cherrywood smoked malt. I call it Steampunk Ale, and it rocks.