On the subject of searches being improved - at one site, before you do a search it lists the last dozen or so searches made by people (usernames not shown, just the keywords) - so if it is a popular request, you can click on that persons previous search and search under his or her keywords.
Saves time, especially on common searches - and also encourages others to use the facility more - they might spot a keyword that interests them, and off they go on another trawl through the forums
I haven't seen this anywhere else, and was impressed by it.
at the moment - but expanding all the time....) 
