I think (and am hoping myself) that these changes we're seeing in the Activity feed are JUST going to be on the activity feed. I hate this facebook-style layout. It sucks for facebook (well, facebook just sucks in general) and will suck for this forum as well.
I don't do Facebook, but if this style is similar, then it reinforces my position. Regardless, its something new. We will all just have to get used to it. I'm Ok with it so far.