After the initial surprise, I'm not really sure that it has changed all that much, it just looks like it has. The use of a background picture, plus changes in colour scheme and font seem to be the bulk of what is different. Apart for that, most things seem to be in the same place as before with just a few minor changes. Though admittedly I've only spent a few minutes looking around.
Still, it is great way to quickly make it look like you have a new web site.
Personally, I think it now feels kind of cluttered, but that's mostly the background image that's doing that I'd imagine.
It's OK I think, but as folk have said more looks as if it has changed than it really has. It's essentially cosmetic.
However, I am sure many many many manhours were sent spent by all the high and mighty considering this, so it's understandable they didn't have much time really left to consider the new points system !