As far as speed, I don't really agree that this site is any faster. I probably have as slow a dial-up connection as you can get. Right now it's a whopping 16.8 kbps. We are 7 miles from town with horrible phone lines.
I have my browser set to prompt for javascripts - when the prompt comes up I choose "No". (Some sites won't display at all with scripts disabled, that's why I want the prompt)
Most sites come up very quickly with scripts disabled. This site, the "other site", even that mopedarmy site all come up in a few seconds for me with my horrendous connection speed.
I do agree that this site is much friendlier and laid-back than others. Good members and mods, I suppose.