Although i don't have an avatar i also believe that security > usefulness
Sans a million dollar forum upgrade, how so other forums on the internet defend against security breaches stemming from avatars?
Most other forums update their software versions continually. This forum is stuck on an older version because it has far too many custom made extensions making upgrade almost impossible and replacing it with a new forum equally possible. I'm not saying that's a reason to spend a million dollars on new forum software mind you...