You should realy think about adding a status checker just like on the old forums and a chatbox just like on the old forums so ppl can chat wile you are waiting for the sever to kick in.
i agree we definatley need more interesting stuff in the forums..... i think the chatbox is a good idea as when some one gets co and ip bans all 4 no reason u can go in chat and tell ppl about it so they can unban u and bann the iper...
its all up to you but i think it will be a good idea