It's better and worse. I was apprehensive at first but I do like the graphic overhaul and some of the new features are great.
It's missing some core stuff though:
-links to other pieces of the forum at the bottom of a page (important)
-hangouts visibility (important)
-refresh button at bottom of page (nbd)
This was added a week or two ago. Go to your control panel.
+ Ability to disable images so people don't have to be accidentally spoiled or you know, browse Era on mobile and on data plan.