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@dan
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/3930050/LFGSS.jpg
Ok, so here you go - it's a very rough version, i've just bodged this hard in photoshop, spacing and stuff is all very approximate. Sorry I don't have more time.
General + navigation area
Essentially, all the content needs to moved in away from the full width - especially the main nav, it feels very uncomfortable sitting flush with the edge of the site. I've also re-spaced the main nav so that it's easier on the eye and more comfortable for the user.
In general the navigation area needed simplifying. Login should be separate from the navigation - it's too confusing and busy having them together otherwise. Plus you've got all the room in the header— prime real-estate, make use of it.
The second horizontal line (dotted) marquees off an area that could a 2nd nav - for the sub categories of classifieds as you currently have on the 'old' site. Or could contain a breadcrumb.
Very simple change of having the 'Forum' in the main nav in white, means that the user is always orientated with a quick glance - doubly important if you decide not to have a breadcrumb.
Content area
Page title (H1) 'Forum' should always come at the top of the content area, message sits fine underneath it, and is certainly less important in terms of navigation/orientation. Hierarchy.
Because the site is quite 'flat' in it's feel (not a bad thing necessarily, just that Wayne has eschewed 'web tricks' like drop shadows etc) — the main page needs buttons/icons to show the user at first glance that each of those words on the home page are actually clickable links (while we're on the subject - rollovers, you need them). Doing this and re-spacing the content also gives any subforums with subcategories room to breathe.
The buttons are indicative, they're an adaptation from something else I've been working on today. Feel free to use them though - they might look better with the grey from the background as the + instead of white..
Incidentally, is there a philosophy behind UKFGSS being a different colour? The same colour as the main nav? What does this tell the user?
I could write/do loads more. But I've run out of time.
Hope that helps, this stuff is my bread and butter — just some illustrated thoughts.