Support for test automation tools: Rational Functional Tester

I am a Test Manager. We are a customer wishing to use XtraGrid, XtraNavBar and XtraEditors in an insurance application. We use Rational Functional Tester (RFT) to provide test automation through data driven GUI scripts. RFT does not support all 3rd party controls, as there are so many of them. Therefore the test automation object recognition fails to 'see' and operate with the Xtra controls. Consequently we are faced with a dilemma; do we abandon the Xtra controls and use standard controls, or do we abandon automated testing, or use another test tool (likely to have the same problem). Given the considerable investment in RFT in terms of licensing, training, experience and the need to perform very exstensive testing of the insurance application, we are not likely to abandon RFT or automated testing. We would like to use the Xtra controls, but need test automation support. We will possibly consider the use of another automation tool.
Proposed Solution:
a) Ideally, provide support for Rational Functional Tester. Either to customers of RFT as needed, or to Rational corporation for inclusion in their product.
b) Provide a support item on this website that allows customers to connect with other customers that have faced and resolved this problem.
c) Ensure each 3rd party control can be used by at least one test automation tool. Publish what that tool is so that customers are informed of their options.
Worst case, please just let me know if you can provide any help at all. In the meantime we will continue with the controls, as they are well received by the users.