The new link functionality is a result of the new version of phpBB. Making links open in the same window by default gives everyone a choice as to whether to open in a new window/tab or not instead of forcing everyone to open in a new window. This way seems to make more sense.
In most browsers, you can simply hold the Ctrl key when clicking a link to easily open links in a new window/tab.
In most browsers, you can simply hold the Ctrl key when clicking a link to easily open links in a new window/tab.