They don't seem to be serving any purpose. Anyone care to explain this one?

[]https://www.ubbdev.com/threads/php/uploads/48267-parenthesis.gif[/]

Has the IP address when you're an admin (if you have show IP addresses on).

That's where the IP address is displayed, if enabled.

The parentheses are unconditionally displayed in the templates (showflat, showthreaded, printthread).

I think it would better to only display the parentheses if the IP address is displayed (so people won't ask "what are these parentheses for" ).

[:"blue"] I think it would better to only display the parentheses if the IP address is displayed [/]

Well no kidding! I would call it a bug.

but where's the mystery in that? ;p

Yep a bug indeed.