Yes, to very active members like us it would seem like a waste of column, but you´ve gotta think of what your usual member sees, not what you see.
I cant think of any icon implying there are new posts, that being right after the number of replies wouldnt make you think there are that number of new replies.
And if you change the icon, to a non text one, then it is pointless as you do have the orange title icon anyway...
Mateo Byler
CruceDeCaminos.com