SYSTEM PREFERENCES: numerous prefPanes appear broken

Question

I have just upgraded to Mavericks 10.9.1
I appear to be having a similar issue to the user who gave up in this thread:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/23979507#23979507
The issues I've had with prefpanes are:
1. In the Internet accounts pane, changes to iCloud do not stick. For example, if I check the "keychain" radio button to add to iCloud it will check for a moment and then become unchecked.
the "Manage" button does not work. it clicks but nothing happens.
the "Options" button next to the documents item does not work, it clicks but nothing happens.
Additionally I am unable to add any account. when I select an account type from the list, it highlights briefly then nothing more happens.
The "Advanced" button does not work. It clicks but nothing happens.
The Details button next to my icloud account does not work. it clicks but nothing happens.
2.The ICloud pane has the same problems. changes do not stick. the "account details" and "sign out" buttons are clickable but do nothing. the "manage button" does nothing.
3. The "Advanced" button on settings panels where it appears is clickable but does not launch the advanced settings window.
4. The Network pane lets me delete services but the + button to add a new servce does nothing other than make the system preferences window flash. The revert button works, the Advanced button does not (like with all panes). The drop down list of functions from the preferences gear button appears, but selecting items in the list does nothing. I am able to connect and disconnect from existing network services but not add new ones although Network Setup Assistant launches from the "Assist me..." button so I may be able to add a new service from there.
5. Printers and Scanners lets me add but not delete devices. Open print queue works. Options and Supplies does not.
6. Users and Groups: I'm able to unlock the pane but cannot add or remove users. I am unable to change the Apple ID for my account. The contacts card button does not open. I can check and un check items in the login items and delete login items but it will not let me add new login in items to the list. FWIW I am able to add items to the list in Mac Pilot 6.
Troulbe shooting steps taken so far:
I've attempted to delete the .plist file for Internet Accounts and restart. this caused the online backup to activate and restore all the accounts, but the problems remain.
I've repaired permissions.
I've verified the SMART status of the hard drive
I am logged in as an administrator with full privileges.
I tried resetting Global preferences and it did not work.
Safe boot does not fix the problem.
I am unable to create a new account to see if it works as it did with the other user because I don't know how to do that other than by using the Users pref pane which is broken.
Any advice or assistance would be much appreciated.

Answer 1

Did some more digging and this thread resolves the issue: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5484035?start=0&tstart=0
My google-fu failed to turn this one up, so hopefully a few more links will help the knowledge spread about abit
The short version is this is a problem apparently caused by the UserInterface getting confused when drop shadows are turned off. There are a set of terminal commands starting on Page 6 of that thread that seem to fix the problem. they did for me.