The new web site is "generally" faster, but at times, it just seems to stop responding for a few minutes. I'll have the hosting company check it. Keep in mind, that this is still on a budget hosting service. But whatever we build here, will be transfered to a more robust server as we're approaching release.
As for the empty replies subject, it is now fixed
The real power of the new web site, is definitely not the forum, but the integration of books, forum, blogs, pop-up glossary, etc. As this is a focused site (unlike say DonationCoder), I think that the forum part will suffice (the New Post page is particularly useful).
I'm working on email notifications and quotes...