I really don't see the point of avatars. For the problem Punki mentions, it would be enough to allow a photo in the profile, rather than as an avatar.
Ditto with country flags.
The absence of these make FT so much easier to read than many BBs where you are constantly distracted by graphical junk. A moderate number of emoticons is fine and useful, but excess of colours and graphics would make FT look cheap.
As to images, they use a lot of space and severely distract the reading of a thread. If somebody feel that they must absolutely share a photo with other FTers, it is not that difficult to post an external link to somewhere where the image is stored.
Ultimately, it is a question of the kind of style you prefer: a sober, understated SQ/BA-like look, or a garish SW/FR-like look?