The new design sounds intriguing, and like everything else in the world, you need to change once in a while to keep people interested. Most of what you speak about seems to be straightforward, such as a wider screen layout and a different organization method to classify audio, visual, art and literature works.
I'm surprised that no one has yet asked about ranks and levels and b/p points and medals. Will you be adding more levels beyond "Supreme Commander"? Will the b/p points be reset, and we all start fresh, or do we carry them over and continue our quest for balance and recognition? How about the voting process? Recently, there had been many conversations concerning the need to slow down spammers and all the users who blindly vote "5" on everything, filling Newgrounds with junk. Any programming change or automation planned to help keep the balance?
As for the name "Flash Portal" - It is true that this site was designed for people to showcase their Flash talent, and summarily, the Flash Portal should stand as is. If you add new types of media, such as MOV / AVI (true video) then call it the "VIDEO PORTAL". I mean, we use the Audio portal for sound tracks, and the Flash portal for flashes - kinda follows a neat and easy pattern.
I'm sure you've all worked hard on the redesign, and as a programmer, I can appreciate the time, thought, blood, sweat and tears you all put into it. I'm sure it'll be just fine, whatever it is. Just don't lose the originality or the characteristics of Newgrounds - it doesn't need to follow Facebook or MySpace or anyone else - it's strong enough to stand on its own.
Can't wait to see it - will you really surprise us, or give us a few days warning?
Either way, it's going to make summer very interesting!
Thanks for a great site - may it last many, many years!
*Salutes*
EGSC ByteSlinger