Using Featured Threads as portal works great. I do have a custom sidebar with Widget Framework (clear sidebar) and that seems to be the way to go.
This was the solution for me as I had numerous problems with XenPorta and compatibility (namely I couldn't get the various blocks to work with widget framework and such). Jaxel's products have been some what of a disappointment lately (Xenporta/Medio/Carta) with the lack of support, incompatibility with Widget Framework (which should be 100% standard) and other issues.
Thanks Brogan, you have gone above and beyond with this add-on. At first, I thought it was a niche "Promote a Post" add-on (albeit still useful) and it turns into this wonderful, fully-functional and appealing homepage portal. Keep up the great work.