Numbers do tell a story, but "feel" tells a story too. The site just "feels" snappy and quick, and that's how most users will see it. The average user doesn't care how many queries are being processed or file requests or all that. The site just feels fast as hell, and that's great.
Good job :)
I personally like the thumbtack. You still know it's a sticky, but it doesnt look too out of place. My question is, does XF support forum announcements?