I'm all for UI improvements. And while I've lost my ability to provide newbie feedback (I've got used to the platform), it is the newbie feedback that will be the most valuable for improving usability and making the user feel at home, with a platform that is easy to use.
Still, even if the UI is improved, due to the scarcity of time and limited human attention, I maintain that one will only read what they consider relevant to their interest and participate in discussions even less. It is normal and to be expected - although there will be a minority that uses the site as we use it right now (reading, commenting, voting on a variety of posts - due to curation incentives, reputation building, etc).
You're still good at offering newbie feedback @alexgr, but hopefully semi-noob minnows like myself will increasingly translate informtaion happening at your level down to the brand-newbies. I've personally found your perspective and clarity invaluable. While I totally agree with @xanoxt that UX will and should take the place of a welcome crew, it's early days. :)
Yes, there's definitely room and time for improvement.
Well, I am used to the system, because I am adaptable like that, as well as being here for 1 month. Still, as someone who worked in UI/UX, I can see where the system falls short of what it declares to want as desired behaviour to what it encourages instead. A lot of stuff that could be useful from the application side, are instead outsourced to the user culture.
Some are there, but most people don't know/care about them. For example: other than voting for a cool post, that you feel deserves going "to the moon", the next best free thing is leaving a comment. Because it bumps post up into 'active'. So both for the post writer, and the commenter the best free promotional work is to make sure, that people actually stop to leave their comments.
Paid thing, is that promotion button, but it is hard to beat free in cost/effect area!
Indeed... I guess we are doing a good work here for @kyriacos ahahaha...