Well, that was what I thought initially and then afterwards I thought maybe I needed to get my ears waxed..
But as to the long lists of associated links you have to scroll through before reaching the contents of a thread, yes, I've no idea why they sit at the top rather than as an 'appendix' at the bottom. But no doubt there must be a reason.
By clicking on the User Name, you will requery the forum for that user. You will see everything that he or she has posted with that Mudcat name.
By clicking on the Thread Name, you will be sent to the Forum on that thread as if you selected it from the main Mudcat Forum page.
By clicking on the Subject, you will also go to the thread as if you selected it from the original Forum page, but also go directly to that particular message.
By clicking on the Date (Posted), you will dig out every message posted that day.