>threaded mode viewing is so far superior to flat mode viewing ...

I use both. I start in threaded which loads quicker, then switch to flat if there are several posts in the same thread, I find it quicker. It involves less clicks and I don't have to keep scrolling up and down the screen. I can generally work out the jigsaw without threaded although sometimes have to switch back. I think it is "each to his/her/their(?!) own".