this is probably related: When i click "view topics since last visit", the list I get looks ok for the first page (only my subscribed forums).

However, the second page does not filter out forums I'm NOT subscribed to. I get monster trucks, helis, cars, etc. I'm strictly an airplane guy.

I know your new message pointers are working ok, as if I visit forums I can see subjects at the top of the list are in bold (meaning I have not yet read them), however, your filter which returns the list for the above operation gets confused.