Why can't I change the desktop picture after 'upgrading' to Mavericks?

[iMore Question]

I upgraded to Mavericks - and immediately afterwards was unable to alter my desktop picture through System preferences. I get a message: Could not load Desktop & Screen Saver preference pane.

I have asked the Apple support community who have recommended deleting various plist files in the library and then restarting: or reinstalling Mavericks. Neither of these options has worked.

I'm increasingly fed up with it. Maverick by name, Maverick by nature! Did they not see that coming?!