I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand the question about what you are trying to do. Really the only alternative way to view the board is to use the activity stream up in the top left. That will show you all the latest posts regardless of sub-forum.
Directory tree forums are the worst (think peegs). This thread style is easy to follow. You just have to make sure you read things before you post.
thanks. it is nice sometimes later to go back assuming you still have your cookies sent to pick up various topics in a random order...possibly by poster. Appreciate the feedback
no,too small a screen for me. The doc adjusted my script for contacts and I can't see anything up close...