I like using Big Picture Mode (BPM), mostly for it's looks. However... I find I have to come out of it when it comes to dealing with the Message Board.

To begin with; If there is a response to a post all you see is the Bell Notification Icon letting you know there is a response. However... once you click on it, it goes away until there is another response 'AFTER' you have clicked on it... which means, if there were 2 or more responses, you now have to search them out.

Also... when responding to the message board a Virtual Keyboard pops out, and if you make it go away you lose your ability to type in the message box. And if you leave it... it's in the way. As well as coming out of the Comment Box (in order to view a comment or re-read something) doesn't allow you to 'Easily' return to where you left off.

In short... it just seems that BPM makes it more difficult to deal with the Discussion boards. Giving the option of either Participating in Discussions or using Big Picture Mode... and I like to do both.