Question Author
Thanks for all your answers, a few responses;
1. Gromit, you (along with some others), missed the "s" at the end of https, https links don't resolve to clickable here - http do (I know that, I've used them).
2. Some "idiot" buttons in the create post section would be useful for those not familiar with (or happy using) html tags to create bold or italic text - like I said, it's like using DOS instead of windows.
3. I agree that emoticons/smilies can get in the way, but otherwise have no strong feelings either way about them. Avatars can help people identify with other posters, just limit their size. (see 5. below)
4. I agree with Ethel, allowing images in posts is not a good idea. People can always link to their images on hosting sites if they want to.
5. What about a little more (optional) info below posters names (on the left), even basic stuff like a location or gender might help. How many reply posts do you see which either assume someones location or ask where they are??
6. A selective quote function, so that you can (if you wish) avoid any confusion about which post you are replying to. Not the horrid autoquote thing though, that just makes threads unreadable!!
It all feels a bit archaic and "clunky" but I note from the Editor's blog that a new version is being worked on at the moment.
I'd be happy with a 10 minute edit of my posts, I always want to change/add/correct something and it looks naf having to make another post.