solved it...i used the getpermissions() thing to make sure each thread is viewable by the user - no private threads are shown except to admins and mods.
the only downside is that it may show a few less threads than set with private thread viewing for regular users off. you can change the settings, though, for the max number of latest threads to show and whether you want to restrict viewing of threads in private forums.
your post DID help me though !!

i didn't even THINK of using the getpermissions() function. thanks