>I have tried reversing the order posts are shown, but found that the order of the all threads view is also reversed, which means I then have to hunt around to find where the most recent threads are listed rather than the earliest threads.

Yes, this is the problem. I'd like threads listed by most recent and postings with the most recent at the top.

>am I the only one who finds it confusing that the arrow marked previous thread

No, me too, I've given up on the arrows.

>While not claiming to be able to multi-task

Ah, so polite, Mr Bingley.