This is something I have to whole-heartily agree with. I rarely comment in the forums and I've been a member of this site since 2008, however having the "friends" tab on profiles (everyone's profiles) was an easy way to see not just the mods they've got, but also to get caught up with any new screenshots, videos and updates that they may have especially if you've not logged in for some time and would like a quick way to see what's up with your favorite authors. After all, if you liked their content, friending them is a great way to get more of anything else they may come up with!. All your favorites in one spot!
Now to pull up my friends profiles, either I'll look to see if they've released any new screenshots, mods or videos in the (insert game) media section, then click on their name from there, or I start typing their user name in the website address bar. It works, but not as great as clicking on their profiles in the "friends" tab.
Why did we get a downgrade with a new update? Don't get me wrong, I love most of the changes and additions we got with the new forum update, but things also got taken away from us and I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one that didn't appreciate that.
--theblackfist