I thought the red balls were always at the left of the posts on the "new posts" page, but notice there was a "sheet of paper" icon in the column to the right of the ball where there's sometimes a caution sign icon. I did a site search, and POW, now the balls are mostly gone, and there's envelope icons there. Some have flames on them (hot topic's?). Always something to learn here.
I've also learned that many of us come into the forum from different doors. I.E. Home, new posts, user CP, that may be a factor.