Agreed about the link shade. Are the AJAX shadowboxes those boxes that open, say, when I click on your username? I don't mind them so much, but the font size of the text on the far left could be increased a bit.

Also, one thing about overall feel. I like it. I do. But, some of the symbols used are a bit confusing if you've never been to Hubski before. For instance, the symbols under my username to the far left of this screen aren't universally known. By that I mean, for some people they may not get what they stand for while others might get it naturally. Symbols and how they are interpreted is something I find very interesting and I tend to note symbols and how they are displayed and used in everyday life very often.

Also, regarding the symbols in a greater UI context. I like it. I find that symbols and basic UI design is the way of generating repeat users/visitors to a site. The more simple the UI the more likely the visitor will become a user. For me, it took to looking at the about hubski link, on the left, to locate the Hubski legend. Perhaps, it should reside somewhere more prominent, such as at the bottom of your user profile?

Just a thought.