I think the UI could use an update but it doesn't need to be anything crazy. The reason being who's going to curate the content to show on the front page? I feel like in order to keep the POB mindset that it should be based on users still and not curation accounts. The UI just needs to be broken up a bit so it doesn't look like every other one that launches (cookie cutter) as it delutes the value.
POB could end up being a huge entry point for those coming on to hive with a well done UI and talking about how POB works. I'm almost thinking no articles on the front page but instead more talking about what POB is and how to sign up.
Fully support the text editor as most coming on to the platform don't understand mark up and we should make it as easy as possible to get started. The more hurdles the less people take action. We call this barrier to entry. More sign up sets etc = less conversion.