First of all, thanks Max for the (lenghy) post. I enjoy such things -- and greatly sympathise with the points you are making.

I would suggest altering the button at the *top*, though, maybe replacing it with a link to the bottom button, just to prevent the "what's that poping up thing?" effect.

Also, I'm delighted by the idea of various filters/increased organizing tools for the mudcat -- merely something to enable distinguishing UK from US events would be very nice. Also, maybe an easier way to link between threads... (Let me know if this should go elsewhere)