I think that it is indeed an improvement from the last skin.
Though one thing I don't like is the Topic Name Colors or whatever you call them. The Light Blue doesn't really contrast well with the white background. Although it's looking great on the dark grayish area around the tabs, on the top.
What I'd consider is a Darker Blue preferably one of the shades on the GFX on the top, so it doesn't look misplaced.
I generally don't know how to create forums and how it works, so sorry if these are bad suggestions.