It also takes really long for the page to refresh when I try to register. (After I submit the registration form)
But I was able to make an account, and the site itselfs looks and feels pretty nice.
It might be a good idea to add just a standard wysiwyg to the post editor.
Also no nothing is optional other then github i believe.
I also added in a new editor like you wanted in. I did take some things out of it tho.
If you need any help with anything, just let me know. or if you're planning to runn a promotional campaign or something..