If an off-topic post was moved to the shrapnel general forum where it belonged, some people complained that they come straight to the forum of choice without ever seeing the other forums or the front page of the shrapnel site. I always said that was a bad thing to declare. Well actually, in the Dominions forum we had less of that than some other forums here. And I already see some of those gripers suggesting ways to block the new format from being seen! And they are suggesting it IN THE FORUMS! (can we say "shoot self in foot"?)
As to the size, Im guessing they are going for ease of use. Something where creating one to go on the main page
www.shrapnelgames.com works for the sidebar at the same time.