I have noticed the same thing. I figured Buck just wasn't done tweaking the forum yet, or that the absence of ads will be a feature when he installs the new format. But your observations suggest a different explanation.
EDIT: So if I log out, then log back in, the ads dissappear.
btw, Not having the ads make the loading of the page noticably much faster! My home modem is so slow, but now that I am subscribed it makes a world of difference! Thanks Buck!
