Why is it that the default chess board has the chat off and challenges that can only be played as unrated?

Chat is now off when there is no new chat to read. Otherwise, when you have a new message, Chat shows automatically. Chat is also at the front during your first move (in case you want to greet your opponent).

Can you clarify what you mean about challenges only being unrated?

Why was the chat thing changed? It was just FINE the way it was!!! The chats were as important to me as the games themselves, and in some cases even more so. I know it's still available, but I like to see that chat open and ready to write in as soon as I get to each game.

First off, to address why it was changed, well, because some people don't chat at all and would rather see the movelist, since the chat screen is meaningless to them.

That said, if your opponent has said anything, then the chat window is SUPPOSED to be on top, if it's not, I suggest sending in a bug report. But, what this means is, for people who chat, like you, there will be NO discernable difference, when you get into a game, you should see the chat window on top, just like you always have.

Sorry for whining. It's just that at my age, change is harder to take. But I'll adjust, I really will. Thanks for responding.