Now all that remains is to make it POSSIBLE for people who so desire to view the threads in the same way they were displayed before: As normal forum threads with number of responses and page views and little stars that show threads with new posts and little icons to click to bring you to the newest posts etc

I mean I love the new mall and everything but I don't see the harm in giving users the opportunity to use the old look if they wish. Choice in general is a good thing and can do nothing but attract more people to the mall.