I agree with your comments on the sidebar - that is just what I was about to post.
It is almost impossible for me to see the color difference between the stories I’ve already clicked on and the new stories, and it has a crowded look to it.
Hey I just realized there is no “Post” link at the top of the page. (I am on latest) How are people posting new threads? I must be missing something, but all I see is Home Forum Pings Mail More. (And it’s not at “More”, either.)