Sean, what you are seeing is a "feature" unlike we had under the previous software. It is pretty clever in an attempt to not overwhelm you (or our server) with email notifications. On subscribed threads, you will only get ONE notification email until you read the thread again. If you only visit the forum home page, or read other threads, you won't get a new alert or notification. You have to view the thread again.
bill fimm and
AJK001, now that I am thinking about it, I wonder if this is part of what you are seeing and thinking you aren't getting the notifications your should.