I agree with you and will most likely join you after a few mopping-up replies to threads I've been following.   As I've just this morning written in a reply to Ebay Cafe >  Community Updates > Stifling or starvation continues,  this is not a mistake or the unforeseen result of a hasty re-vamp.  It was planned and deliberate. 

   How long ago the paypal boards format was adopted, I have no idea, but as it is more or less identical to this one I would guess it was designed before the ebay/paypal split, is still on file at ebay towers and all ready for use here.  Right down to the daft badges and the prominent display of "Most Helpful" authors.

   Probably the most active discussion on Seller Central yesterday was a six month old thread critical of MP.  The only reason I know it exists is because I'm notified when a new reply is posted.  I'm still following it because a Community Member is keeping the Community informed as their court action against ebay, for Breach of Contract, proceeds.

   As I finally tracked the thread down on page 113 it shows just what twaddle ebay's stated reason for this change (To keep people better informed) is.   It was designed with the exact opposite in mind, to keep people in the dark for as long as possible.   I might even guess that the catalyst for gutting the community was the thread of one hundred plus pages of criticism re. MP.  

   With the new format I doubt whether there will ever again be a thread with 100 posts disapproving of ebay, never mind 100 pages.  Anything that ebay doesn't like the look of can be buried in a few hours.  Such impudence and grumbling by the serfs will not be tolerated any longer.

   I'd advise anyone still hoping that further "concessions" might be granted to go and spend an hour on the paypal boards.  Have a good look at the repetitive nature of the new threads and how few ever get a reply. 

   The tiny number of "Esteemed Advisers", allegedly  community volunteers (but I have my doubts) and the almost total absence of "discussions", how brief they are when one occurs.   That's where these boards are heading.