In the line for $output_bits just wrap the link and image in a div with a class name. You can make horizontal layout work with CSS.

Also, it shouldn't show banned users if you use the edited version that specifies a certain usergroup.

I too would like to know how to specify x most recent new users. Anyone have any ideas on how to edit this for that purpose?

These changes will show the avatars (or profile pics depending on which one you chose to show) only if the member is in the user group(s) you specify. The current code only allows for one user group, this allows for more :)

Delete
Replace
With (you can add other user group ids if you want just follow the format in the ( )'s )

Is it possible to add stats below the picture

Like

Username
Joined Date
Total Posts

And set it to say only show users with posts over 1000 ?