Not sure how you'd force refresh on firefox (might be the same, hold CTRL and click refrefresh/reload) - and the result is pretty, but the icon set lacks contrast between new/no new, and the you posted in this thread.
I guess there are 16 possible icons, as there are 4 characteristics.
1. You posted in (that rather vague arrow instead of a seal)
2. New posts (open envelope, not very prominent though)
3. Hot thread (about the strongest contrast)
4. Locked (though hot/locked are unlikely, unless a vigorous debate was halted)
Just trying to think of 16 imaginative icons with a CD base ... and failing miserably - still, when you've seen one VBB3 final forum, you've seen them all - consistency is a virtue, I suppose.
The smooth, 3D pictorial buttons though, now they ARE cool!
Don't know if non-owners can sign up at VBB's own forums, as that's the feedback I would have given them - MORE CONTRAST please ... maybe I should clean my glasses!