I agree about the colors. "Will take getting used to" or maybe not...   In fact, washed out colors with poor contrast make the reading more difficult on eyes that are not the age of a teenager or twentysomething.

You might want to consider checking out your color palette for contrast and readability on people of ALL ages including the elderly, infirm, and uh ... oh yes... the partially blind ....  because they haven't had their morning coffee yet

So how about reconsidering something with better contrast that makes it easier to read the fonts, letters, and words and what we're actually trying to read???

Gee whiz did I just rain on your parade????

There really isn't much difference between the last release version (4.5.3) that is available for download now (the July one you mentioned) and the one on here (which is 4.5.5) outside of the theme. Also, the latest code is always on CodePlex now in case developers want the latest changes. However, I expect the updated module to be in the release tracker early 2010 once I make sure things are all OK on this site. 

I do like it though the colours seem a slight clash.  Would like to see the skin for it as it looks like it would be an easier and clearer starting point for customising.

Plus... this is really great news for the team working on the Forums. Last couple of years were disappointing with ups and downs but to be looking at a new version so soon after the last which was a great and long awaited one I have to say - Congratulations.  It really looks like things are back on track with this core module.