[acutelyobtuse]

This is not meant to sound challenging, I have used and, both loved and loathed, some JIRA setups. A lot of it might be implementation.

But as for the question, again not challenging, just curious:

What do you suggest as empowering, out-of-the-way, issue tracking software?

[LanceH]

I've really liked fogbugz.

[ark15]

I second that. I sometimes wonder why FogBugz+Kiln combination has not 'caught on' as much as other offerings like github, atlassian products, etc.

My only (but major) gripe I have with FogBugz is that it is stupidly hard to insert inline images in cases (compared to how easy it is in a github issue)..and while at it, the entire editor could use a makeover for ease of use/markdown capability