I'm not being a defeatist - I'm being a realist.  eBay are not going to reinstate the old version, no matter how many people actively call for its reinstatement.  I don't like this ruined version of the forums and personally I'd prefer to see the new "improved" version of the eBay Community Forums killed off in its entirety than see it limping on lamely, a pitiful shadow of its former self.

In summary, therefore, I've decided to do what some other regular forum users have already started to do - ie:  I'm voting with my feet and will not be actively supporting the continued use of the ruined version of the eBay Community Forums.

I'm aware that the views I've expressed here will not be shared with everybody, and may well be deeply unpopular with some users but I stand by what I've said, regardless of the consequences.