[Plugin: NextGEN Gallery] Cycle Modifications

My apologies if this question has already been answered.
I am trying to “extend” the Slideshow functionality. I would like to add the pager and some custom classes to the images generated by the NGG.
I found in nggunctions.php where the Jquery code for Cycle is initiated, and the slideshow is being built.
Sure, I could hack my way through this and have it customized the way I need it, but I’d rather not so I can still update the plugin if and when necessary.
It would be nice if there would be an ‘easy’ fix to either extend the functionality within the theme or better: within the admin area of the gallery.
Any help or pointers are greatly appreciated.

https://www.ads-software.com/extend/plugins/nextgen-gallery/