Hi Al,
The ability to always get a fast access to the last 100 messages serves for various purposes.
We will, however, add an option so you would be able to turn that off if you wish. The same would go for the counter next to it. The default for new sites is to have such functionalities as it provides a front to new users to get a better sense at the site itself at the very first.
Regards,
Christine Fortin
DMIB Inc.