After spending some time reading through the variety of threads that people have created, I have come up with the following suggestions.

The posts within a thread should be reversed ... as in the original topic should stay at the top, but the subsequent posts should start with the latest one first.

It would look cosmetically neater, will allow people to reference the original topic easier,  and will make it easier to follow as you can see the latest post on the front page of the thread.

JkL is right, this change would make it easier on the clicker. You don't need to read the beginning of a thread more than once except if you wish to reference it in your current post. Sure it would make it harder for people that reads a 5 pager for the first time as they would have to get to the end then read up. But then, once you've read it entirely, all you want is the new posts so no need to scour to the end each time if it's already in the front page. It's also interesting to be able to refer to the original thread when writing as you can remember more easily the evolution of the thread.

Threads need a revamp, and it could also be enhanced with a serif font (easier on the eyes) with a certain margin - instead of long span of text and neck-cranking page-wide sentences.

Wouldn't a "Newest" button that takes you to the last page of the thread have the same effect, but without running contrary to the natural tendency to try to read top to bottom? I'd support that sort of a change. I don't want to have to read my threads like I read my mails, though. That only works if you've been following it closely, rather than jumping in for a first-read.

So click the link to the last page and read on....

Reversing the order from oldest to newest would detract from the storyline in many role playing threads as well as debates.

I'll agree with Lucretia_Borgia on this. If a button, called last or something, that would take you to the latest unread post existed, It would be very very convenient.

Sorry for double post, but that was the only way to get the code.
Something like this for example:

http://mafiareturns.com/comm/thread/83847/page1#post-544647

That links directs to this page at my previous post. I guess this post is 544648.

A "Newest" button is a good idea.

Personally I dont mind reading posts like I read my mails.