I'd like to start out by saying that I really like all the new changes. And I'm sure you havn't gotten enough suggestions on things that can be added ;) , so here is another.
I think it would be good if there was a way to subscribe to a thread, other than the way of posting in that thread. I know there are threads that I want to keep an eye on but I haven't posted in them. Some people will just post "posting so its in my threads", and that is fine, but I don't think we should have to do this. If we could subscribe to a thread without posting in it, then that would also keep the thread on track without worthless posts in it.
Well thats my $.02 for the day. Keep up the good work on NS.