Just to let you guys know that although not concerned about getting the contract (and I understand the reservations about my system) I have made some progress creating a "forum package" for my software system (which of course has *zero* manual code).
Although far from complete it handles ordering latest post topics first (after sticky topics which are also in latest post ordering) and allows for topics to be locked and moved. Child boards work correctly with stats totals updating to parents.
http://www.ciyam.com/forum7.png
Cheers,
Ian.