For those running Firefox, as I mentioned above, I've created a Greasemonkey user script that does pretty much everything people have mentioned in this thread. I've also uploaded a more comprehensive version of it to userscripts.org. To install it:
1. If you haven't already, get Greasemonkey at https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/748 (Install Now)
2. Go to http://userscripts.org/scripts/show/23631 and click on "Install this script" on the right.
After installation, you can use the user script command "Swap Browsing Tree Position" to alternate between having a thread title at the beginning or end of the window title.







