Good forum looks very nice layout is also great. I do agree with most of the members here that there are a little too many ads on top which might turn away a few visitors. Other than that it looks great.
Three banners, I guess that's not overloaded but it's okay I suppose. I would try to keep it low, but as I am already paid by these so I would have to wait till their expiration so that I may reduce their quantity. Working on SEO quite hardly these days, hope would get a good outcome.
Way to many leaderboards is also my opinion. As for my design opinion, I say it is bad. Take more time to customize the colors, graphics, and it has awesome potential graphically. The concept is not too bad!
As for VB-4, they have some limited designs, I haven't seen much of VB-4 themes in the market (atleast not as much as of VB-3 for it's still new). I would try to customize the colors and graphics but most probably I would search for a better theme at the same time and if I get lucky.
I did upgrade my forums from VB-3 to VB-4 and I did experience that all of my links that were indexed previously by Google were emptied. I don't know what's the real cause but I am suspicious that the reason for this is the upgrade from Vb-3 to Vb-4. I suppose VB-4 have integrated quite different coding than previously released version and I think they're trying to maximize their SEO. I could only wait to see when do google start indexing my pages again.
I would get rid of the banners on the homepage they are taking up a lot of space and create a new page for your Advanced Forum Statistics.. Apart from those two things the site looks good.
You have a good blog the ads make it a bit distracting and I feel will turn some people off. As for the future of your site what are your expectations? I have a website http://www.stocksonwallstreet.net/ and have been always interested in creating a finance/stock forum and would like to know how your experience has been and what your plans for the future are?
When I checked out your forum it loaded pretty quick and it looks professional. Also it looks like your forum has a pretty good amount of information.
I cannot see the two long banners at the top : FXMonger and Forex Also if you can put up the number of people currently viewing your specific thread then it will be an extra point for the readers to register or chat in the threads. Above all, I would say, what a good and valuable forum. This is a thinkers forum and you do reason out inner beliefs to make money and presents world views very nicely. Lots of good stuff here.