I feel like that too. The layout of the last forum just allowed for people to be able to browse and find things more effectively, popular threads like the ones where you post pictures of what went on in your game, tell stories etc. could go on indefinitely with no issues, it was just easier to navigate. I hardly even bother to post anymore. And the issue with 'most viewed' etc. just makes me think of users searching problems they're having in their game today and getting answers from over a decade ago that are no longer relevant. That is sad.
I do like that we're apparently able to have personal icons again though. xD