Thanks Arnie.
The move to this blue was using our common framework color which is shared with the new bookmarking application
http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/I don't think we show the "Last Reply" line if there are no replies. If we still are, we shouldn't.
As to the last question, I think that's just the way Sam Gentile has his user name in the system. We are discussing various ways to call out MVP and other affiliations though.
Rob J, Forums Dev