I went to a VBullentin board (stgn) and thhey have some great hacks.
Options to subscribe to threads
Better PM system where u can see if ur PM has been read
Multi rank templates (see Hanks thread)
Ratings for threads
Take a look
http://stgn.ugforums.com/vb/index.php?s=

Also, templates for each user. If all these can be put on a VBullentin board, surely someone can adapt em to UBB.