sounds like phpbb is the Internet Explorer of forum softwares! it is really popular which is the reason hacks and exploits are often found.. I say go for this if you have time to do things its really customizable with tons of features and mods and support but the price is its very popular just like IE.
SMF looks kinda cheap. Looks kinda sloppy how the General Statistics are. But, If you want ALOT of modifications and style to pick from I suggest SMF. I suggest MyBB because its clean and neat. Also, I could make my own Mods and Skins.
did you even read what you typed? first you say SMF is cheap and sloppy, then you recommend using it? makes me laugh, not with you but at you.
First come to know so much forum tools: SMF,VBULLETIN,PHPBB,MYBB ect. But i haven't used them! Are they free?
When you first set up your forum site, you should clearly define the purpose of making the forum site. And you stick to your purpose and be determined to accomplish your goal no matter what will happen. All forum sites are the same. The difference lies on how determine a webmaster to accomplish his/her goal.