i'd like to throw this in....
remember that some sub-forums were created becasue of past requests for them.
such sales and discussion forums like .tel .asia .in .mobi .me etc and even now many are posting .cc and other newer cctld's for sale.
if all these sub-foums are merged into the "Offers Wanted or Fixed Priced" section, then don't expect for your threads to stay on top of the que or on the first page for longer than a few minutes.
the volume will be too much.
if you merge all the cctld sales section into one sub-forum section, it may help but those who specialize in or are searching for, certain cctld's may find their threads lost in the mix of other cctld threads.
i'm not against consolidation or merging, or expanding an area if necessary, just want to note how some changes could create other issues.
drop-down and fill-in boxes are better if they can be installed, by serving as the default for posting.
this could truly reduce the amount of thread closures reported posts.
as for the layout, i wouldn't want to see this forum look like another.
imo...