...this is only just now being realized? The site took a dive quite some time ago, with Rob Malda's departure it was effectively quite dead and buried. Now this - is their "Digg" moment.
New... yes, the look is certainly new compared to 'classic' slashdot. Sleek is not a term I'd use for it though, and when it comes to functionality the beta falls flat on its already flat face. It wastes space, makes it hard to follow threads, is fully JS-dependent, lacks contrast (but this is easily solved), contains images where none should be, etc. Realise that many of the complaints are made by those who currently use the 'classic' version of slashdot, often combined with the 'light' option to get rid of images. This is not the version you see when you just view the site as a passing visitor. Compared to the 'classic' site, especially when combined with the 'light' option, the beta is a dysfunctional riot of wasted space and script.