It's my home page too! Is there any other way to get to the threads, without passing the index page?!
Anyway, I find it very useful, because you can see at one glance, who answered last and when, what thread.. ehm.. is that clear?
I like having a look at the 'recent post' section, that's where you see what last threads were answered.
I like how the banner changes with each season.
I like it!
j. U. d. E.