I don't know if you probably know, (but you probably do with all this web surfing) but I think that it would be a great idea if you maybe change the forum layout a bit. I was thinking this forum is a bit...blech. Maybe you would consider an Invision Power Board format. With this, you can do many things that would make the forums more attractive and far easier to navigate. For example, each topic has a small marker next to it that takes you to the first message after logging of, making it easier to see new replies without having to go through the entire topic to get there. Anyways, I just thought you might want to consider it. Probably with your busy schedules, you could maybe ask for other for designs to adorn it with. Please consider it and good luck with all your other stuff.
A site you might consider observing:
www.sonikku.com/forumsYou might already know this site (maybe).
Mario and Sonic shall clash together soon. Be on the lookout.