I am quite willing to go along with whatever John Robinson devises, but I really liked the old format better. This new version seems to have something missing -- mainly lively discussions of interesting topics from many points of view. I think that part of the problem is the strict segregation of topics.
I have never found the *place* where I am supposed to sign up for topics of interest.I share your concerns, and your frustrations about the new format. Not much that I can help you with there, except to suggest that we wait (and pray) for the improvements that we know are coming.
As for "subscribing" to new topics, the only way that I have found is to go to "Topics," and click on each one MANUALLY, and then click on "subscribe" at the top of the page that appears. Perhaps that process will improve, too.
Otherwise, scanning the new "review" page is the best way that I have found to get an overview of what's going on, but I, too, have seen much less uninhibited expression recently. :(
This is all only TEMPORARY. FR will survive, and THRIVE. It must.