Well, it's been two days aince the "new look" and I can safely say that it is working like a charm: normally at this time of day, there are about 1650+ users online. Yesterday, it was around 1550. Today, it's around 1500. Slowly, but surely, the new look is having its desired effect: get people off the site so those that are left have a faster experience. Why fight with a site when there are plenty more that are easier to use and have a cleaner look? Cheers to the admins for their bold plan to speed up the site by forcing people to leave.