Branding is more along the lines of a non-textual image people associate with your site, and or service, but not entirely. It is possible that in branding your site, your symbol uses text as well. For example, it could be something as subtle as the distinctive way Microsoft has that notch in it's O or as complex as the firefox depicting the fiery fox wrapping itself around the earth. The reason I said branding may not really be an issue with your site is because if your current logo is of your own design, and you stick with it, regardless of style (the three boxes on either side of your sitename) then that IS your branding.
:. ForumTools.net .:
See, even in text that is distinctive. I also like:
.: FORUM :: TOOLS :.
and other derivations. Pick one and run with it.
Try something like this, and use the added colors in your theme for a soft highlight. The colors represent the RGB spectrum and the shapes represent getting work done. Or use it as a spring board for your own ideas.
That's actaully a pretty cool image Albus, I will use it if that's cool and be happy to give you credit in my footer. The spockets would probably make good forum_new and forum_old images, would fit right in.