I usually view the "new posts" when I access the site, that way if anyone has made a new post I'll see it regardless of post after post after post after post being made.
Regarding 'hogging' the picture bar, I usually upload the pics to my gallery where they can be viewed if desired. I really don't need them to be in the picture bar, but don't know how to avoid it. If I want them in a specific thread, I will put them there. I would prefer my photos don't show up in the picture bar at all, and if anyone wants to see 'em, go to my gallery.
(in other words... I don't see what you folks are complaining about
can't we all just get along?)