Tom,
I'd remove the NEW THREAD button completely. You should have to be on the main screen of that particular subject to start a new thread, not in an already existing thread.....just my opinion, though.
When I want to post a new thread, I don't usually start it from a particular thread. I normally go to the correct subject and start it from there. You know what I mean?
Also, I'm all for the quick reply window. That thing kicked a$$.
Overall, you're doin' great!