Ann, we talked about addition icons (like the green one) but really want to keep the focus on the items that really NEED to stand out. 911 for obvious reasons. GA so everyone will know to stop by to pay respects. Sticky so the stickies won't blend in with the other posts so much. There are a couple of others that moderators can use judiciously when we need to be sure something is seen. We don't want the board to be cluttered with too many competing icons.
As far as I know, the green man was only used that way in the ISGs, and maybe only in the Lantus ISG. Most people posting in the ISGs are not new and will know how to get attention if they need it. Members who are new would probably not know that green was a code for good numbers, and if they are very worried they will use 911.