hi,

1) maybe smb has a set of templates just for essential information:
when date, author, stats, additional descriptios and other meta-data are not needed.
for example, Links item - name (which usually describes well enough) and main stats fit in one row
extra info could be presented in a ToolTip-manner (using title_attribute or like it's done here, here or here)

2) some(or all) blocks could have ability to collaps-expand (js: display = none/block), managed in admin->system->blocks.
for example, on a site where news come once per week "Recent Comments" or "Top Articles" are not interesting for every-day visitors, but it is good to keep them (headers visible) somewhere on Top-page - so You can quickly see it if U want. According to frequecy of visiting, one part tends to be interested in "Recent .. items" and other in "Top .. items".

It makes a site more attractive as not overloaded with data. Many people (who are not very curiuos, but time-conserning) say they get lost in much infomation.

this is not a big thing, but it would increase XOOPS popularity among simple www-users