I like to think of FlyerTalk as a high-quality board that offers some of the best information available to frequent travelers. I question what message those who are in favor of more smilies and avatars want FT to present.

Among the bulletin boards I've visited, I've noticed those that use an abundance of smilies and avatars seem to be very low on substance and turn me off rather quickly as they come off as being quite childish. I really hope FT does not go in this direction.