I don't see a button to create a new article here.

We don't have permission to visit the forumdisplay view. You can create new articles using "The Vault" dropdown menu.

AFAIK, since July, changes in 2.5.x have allowed non-moderators to view forumdisplay when there's a forum main page. You should be able to use the "New Thread" link from forumdisplay as well as the drop-down link.

Comment

Quick comment

wiki replies are accounted as forum posts? YES

so can we give points to these replies using vB Reputation system?

Yes you can.

OK I see, but what I'm hoping for is to be able to add my (few) new namespace links to the navbar bar, like 'Create a Jiki Card' or 'Create a Template' or 'Create a Category' will this be possible so the user never sees the vb forum view?

Making an additional post such that there are multiple pages of comments.

Need two more comments to accomplish this, if I'm not mistaken.