With the third? when should it be checked/ just the first time? what if they change it later? What if its animated?

Remotely hosted avatars have a whole load or problems.

Well, the majority will be large, animated gifs. That's why I don't want them uploaded to the forum.

And the file size and dimensions will be checked when they submit the first time. If they change it later to something inappropriate, they can be warned, edit it, etc. The same as if they posted an image and changed it later. That's no reason to not allow hotlinking images in posts.

Yes, It would be nice if it could check the size and dimensions of the avatar, and possible resize the image if needed.

Can someone code this?!

Did this ever get off the ground or is it likely too soon?

i desperately want this too

I would still like to see this done as i need to the space and bandwith, but still wish for user to be able to use avatars

I too would like to see this