One improvement would be if we could sligthly minimize the numbers of smileys when I write a posting. I don't mean to remove them just to move them into the "more" link. It takes a bit of time until all the images are loaded and the textbox appears. As far as I can see it there are smileys that are used way more often than others, e.g. I've never seen the "TV guy" or the "Thread Closed" in use.
Another plus for me would be if it could be default to return to thread after replying/creating a new one instead of being in the thread list.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean but in your profile under "Look and Layout Preferences" there's an option called "Return to topics after posting by default". Wouldn't that do what you want ?
Shame Sailor never came back. I think his last logged on date is quite recent, so maybe he's lurking.