This is a simple suggestion. Currently within the new layout if there is more than X number of page (I am not bothering myself to look for the upper limit) the first page within pagination would be gone after we pass that X number. We also don't know on what page is the last page if we are within the thread itself and not in the board. To get to the last page automatically you need to click ">>" which sometimes people might not aware of it.

So, my suggestion is simple. Just make the pagination is like this for convinience sake,
(Note: Ignore the red color color on the box, It is a poor job from me on doing inspect element xD But well you get the picture.)

I believe it is not that hard to implement this small feature.