The new layout looks good for both, look forward to seeing them.
One feature I would like to see is the ability to post articles as another user (admin only of course) as sometimes they submit them in word documents so they can spell check etc.
Other ideas:
Admins / moderators get a PM or email on new article posting to allow them to go check it over or validate it if its in moderation queue.
The posting rules at the base of articles should be article relevant and not the default thread rules.
Proper spacing/padding in the sidebar, it doesn't seem to have any.
Option to remove sig (already covered I believe)
Ability to toggle it between articles/reviews system (would toggle the phrases id guess)
If above is added then some form of scoring for the review to give the product a score (e.g 8/10) possibly with up to 5 custom score fields and an overall score.
Keep up the good work, the others pale in comparison