PEOPLE!! Geez, look around the application! There are tons of preferences for turning off contact list features (buddy icons, status icons, etc etc.). If you would take a moment to go through the program and check out the options you would be incredibly happy!
I've been using Proteus for many years now and have always enjoyed the responsiveness of the developer, his dedication to his users and the ease-of-use of Proteus itself.
Version 4 is sooooooo much better than any prior version and there aren't any major features that are missing. If you actually visit the message boards, read the Read Me and listen you will see that everything you need is here. EVEN FILE TRANSFERS WORK PEOPLE! JUST READ THE READ ME FOR THE DETAILS!