Recently I used the site with a "low" resolution screen (1024*768, which most visitors still use!), and noticed that the "user bar" was taking a lot of height space for "nothing". I have also studied where people clicked, and very few people used the links under the banner, except for the News and Forums ones.

So, I have simplified the site display by moving the "users" links under the banner. They're all there, except for the "Friends list" that you can now access within the Private Messages page. (not enough space to fit)

Also, when you're not connected, use the "log in" button displayed under the banner to enter the login/pass to connect.

That way, there will be less scrolling, and you'll see more of the most important : the sites content!