The most serious problem for the Ares I appears to be solved:

Ares I Active Damping Unneeded

Dec 18, 2008
By Frank Morring, Jr.
"NASA managers have concluded they don't need an active damping system in the aft skirt of the Ares I first stage to prevent dangerous vibrations from rattling the crew of the Orion crew exploration vehicle on top, and will use a passive system instead.
"Steve Cook, the Ares project manager at Marshall Space Flight Center, said Dec. 17 that a follow-up review held 90 days after preliminary design review in September concluded a passive series of weights and springs, coupled with the spring/ring design originally baselined as an isolator between the first and second stages, should keep thrust oscillation in the system at acceptable levels.."
http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/gener...Damp121808.xml

Bob Clark