Ok everybody.
I have finished the week of testing and experimentation and have decided the time is ripe for me to do the full website upgrade.
Over the past couple of days I have test-installed the forums about a dozen times, now with no problems whatsoever.
I have managed to retain all the Arcade scores etc, all your avatars/images/post-attachments, and all posts and threads.
You will lose the Image hosting but the gallery itself has the in-built image-hosting facility.
There will be a totally new chatbox, in my opinion equally as good.
Initially there will only be three themes to select from (sorry)
The WHOLE of the User/Member profile system has changed to incorporate more social networking features and is really sexy
The Portal/Front page layout has changed, but should be suitably familiar
If all goes well I will be performing the upgrade tomorrow (thursday) morning, it will take about four to five hours.