Well, learn something new every day! I certainly feel a bit moronic now... Regarding dormant conversations, I figured this was the reason, but I never really understood it or saw it in action. I guess I just wasn't used to that culture of "revived threads can be good threads," forum etiquitte always taught me that dead threads are to stay dead and/or that reviving a thread will be unsuccessful. I suppose I'm still adjusting to hubski's more intimate, discussion-based nature. (And I'm quite liking it, I must say!) Although, I'm still weary of spending effort on something that there's a good chance won't be seen. I do read the newsletter! The vault items never seem to have much new activity though. Thanks for the response!What you described as the comment icon showing you the most recent user to post is actually the user with the highest rated comment in that thread, not the most recent.
P.S. Also, check your settings :)