Here are some smilies from http://forums.slickdeals.net/misc.php?do=showsmilies
that I think could improve goodwill on FT.

:heart:
:worship: (for a superb post)
:grouphug:
:nono1: for moderator use only
:scratch: (pondering)
:applause:
:blush: (the current icon looks like someone sleeping)
:surrendr:
:clap:
:evil: (for slightly naughty ideas)
:Popcorn: (for shaming food fighters into silence)
:secret:
:doh: (an animated version of this would be even better)
:sheep: (a different one chosen by Jenbel for those sheepish moments)

Here are a few not on that list that we could make good use of:

:middle: a smilie squeezed between two super-size smilies (=middle seat)
:relax: a smilie viewed from the side reclined in a biz class seat
:1stprize: a blue ribbon for a great achievement

Also, the stick out tongue smilie isn't perfect for "neener neener", so I would welcome a change or addition there. I agree that the star is not very useful because its meaning is unclear. If the above smilies are added, we might be able to delete the thumbs up and thumbs down as well.