>I'd like the forum selection cbo reinstated.

This can't be bone. However, the ability to define a secondary set of forums is on discussion. See my other reply in the related threads here. I think this is what would fit the needs on that particular case.

>The other downside to the loss of this cbo is that now I have to be subscribed to a forum to even see it at all! I used to be able to just go select a forum and read it without it being in my list of 4 subscribed forums.

The ability to have a forum listed if not subscribed was never supported. I don't know how you achieved that task.

>I am only subscribed to 4 forums. VFP, Chatter, SQL and .Net.

Then, only the content of the chosen forums should apply.

>So this is a sort of good thing. At least it pushes the least interesting forums to the bottom of the pile.

Yes, Jim suggested it and we collected a few feedback from members which are finding a good need for that one.

>I don't see color is that a PUTM feature only? I don't think different colored lists is all that good of an idea, but since I don't see this option I can't really say if it works ok or not.

Ok

>I was satisifed with that little one line tall cbo to select my forum of interest at any particular point of time.

See about the secondary set of forums. With that one, we can make that idea evolve in order to respond to that need.