7
I'm doing this for my own personal use and yes, I am using that version as a starting point.
To be honest and very frank, I tried all the forums before I decided that the only way I was going to get what I wanted, was to recode it myself. Some of the changes in this version are nice, but some others will actually cause more problems than they will solve.
Also, the admin area is a complete and utter mess, and this goes back to just about every version I have used.
I also want to add in lots more administrator tools.
I have uploaded a working version to my site (Testing purposes) and you will see what I am aiming at look and feel wise.
http://www.xoosla.com/modules/newbb/Depending on how I feel when it is finished and if I get enough requests I may release it.