I disagree that this is less friendly if you are new... This one has more help in the sidebars and in the top header than the old one, and clickable links to switch between views, on the left hand side where people are trained to look for menus. I think it is much more user friendly than the old one, but I have been in it from the start.
The old forum was easy for you to navigate because you were used to it, not because it was easy.
My problem is with the design layout. It is too busy...some things should be consolidated, others grouped, and different fonts here and there. Things tend to run together which makes your eyes wonder around the page. From a marketing standpoint, this interface is not intuitive. And isn't the point to attract and KEEP readers?
Do a search on semper_libertas. He articulates the my point much better, having web site design marketing experience.