Try Ctrl + - (minus) to make the fonts a bit smaller, you can see more threads. And Ctrl + + (plus) to make em bigger. You also alter it in View/Zoom/Zoom Out. Also on the BBS goto Settings/General Settings/Threaded Forum Views: Display Mode/and click expanded. this will show all the messages in a thread beneath each other, easier than clicking one by one.
It sounds like you're onto something there But I can't work out what the difference is with that expanded option. It's no doubt staring me in the face.