I like subscribed threads, altough I don't subscribe to email notification, I just use it as an alternative space to store my favorite threads so I can view them at a later date.
You can also turn images on or off, if you don't want to see avatars or signatures or anything, and what type of rich text editior you like and everything like that in the CP.
You can also setup your own avatar and signature, and add fields to your profile like location, biography, your instant messenging contacts and that kind of thing.