Yes to box width, yes to who is online, unsure about counter (it may make people feel like they are more welcome if they see alot of people have read their post even if they did not reply, however it could work the opposite way.
Really like the Moraines idea (i think) about being emailed response to a thread that you are following but did not start.
Ziroc, Ziroc he's are man if he can't do it no one can. GOOOOO ZIROC.
(Wow now i feel like a thirteen year old girl instead of a 33 yr old man). I better fo lay down till this passes
------------------
Balance