LDN - Luminis Developer Network

I'm looking for information that supports some of the advantages or disadvantage with having a fluid vs a static layout for luminis. What is the normal practice, in regards to fixed/fluid width, for your institution? By default luminis provides a fluid layout that allow for the width of the portal and the channels to scaled. However, I've heard arguments that support having a fixed width will allow more control and confidence over the presentation layer and the user experience with the exception that width consideration over developing channels is a little more involved.

Has anyone attempted to use RSS on the Login page? If so, can you recommend any best practices and/or "watch outs?"

I'm open to any suggestions, but as of now our best potential solution is utilizing www.simplepie.org.
It's a PHP utility that simplifies caching, customizing, and parsing RSS. Our only concern is getting PHP to run on our production box.

Thank you,
Joshua Anglero