[_ck_]

The problem is WordPress 2.6 re-used the existing cookie name but with a different format and calculation (and purpose). It was not the brightest design move on their part. Had they chosen a new cookie name, your idea would be valid.

At the rate Sam and MDA are working, I suspect there will be a stable enough bbPress 1.0 alpha by the end of this month (which will work with – actually require – WordPress 2.6).

A few other people have reported the profile bug. I will ask them to investigate.