Shambles, Joe is probably a little vague as he doesn't set these things. Joe is not a programmer. Why not ask Max? He can change it.

As for the width. The limit set on the create new thread form is set at 40 but I've seen a couple of thread titles set at 50 and the field might be even wider.

I would hazzard a guess that the reason for this discrepancy (and perhaps others going by what Joe said, ie. "arbitary") is one of ommission rather than intention, ie. the field was widened,the volunteer form was updated but the forum page was fotgotten about - believe me it is quite easy (not) to do that.