Unfuckingreal.
I think they adopted this new look to prevent guys like me from posting graphics and smileys. Perhaps the Rx wants a more professional "antiseptic" look like Madjacks and those type of forums. The Rx was unique for these options (posting graphics and smileys) IMO, but ownership was probably getting pressured by their advertisers/sponsers to clean up the image. They've destroyed what made the Rx unique.
This sucks for sure. Dark day in Rx history.