You can go with the option of using Linear theme. Or you can go with the option of using WidgetLocker. I doubt anything is wrong with it and was probably an error on your end. I would suggest you go through the entire settings and understand what each setting does (description usually under or next to the setting name) and make your own preference.
I've had no problems on my end whatsoever. The dev who made WidgetLocker did an update not too long ago to fix a couple of bugs on it when it would do weird stuff. Now it is nearly perfect. The only time you will see something change on the WidgetLocker is when you plug your USB via Laptop.
There are MANY different customizations for WidgetLocker. I'll provide 2 sites. One has custom lockers, another has a very well typed out tutorial on how to make your own. If you need help finding out how and where to put these files (so you can see the custom lockers of your choice) then leave a post here and I or someone will answer your questions.
Link 1 - Custom Lockers made by others:
[THEMES] WIDGETLOCKER | Theme Collection | PIMPED OUT WITH THEME INDEX! - xda-developers
Link 2 - How to make your own custom locker:
[FAQ] WIDGETLOCKER | Documentation and Help thread! | Updated
[*] - xda-developers
Be sure that you take the time to explore all settings before you just give up on something. WidgetLocker is widely regarded as the number 1 choice of customizing your lockscreen.
Also note this... if you decide to use something like Linear theme, you still won't be able to customize your lockscreen because it is already done for you so you won't be able to add widgets, move stuff around, resize, etc. WidgetLocker is the only app that will allow you to do such thing. If you really like the clock shown on Linear, then ask the themer who created Linear or someone who knows where that clock came from. There are plenty of clocks to download from here, the XDA forums, or on the market.