I've been testing the beta professional ME, and I really like it. The one released today fixed a number of error messages etc.
I still can't get the anti-spam to work for me. I use MAPS RBL+. Perhaps it would be possible to have an entry within the blackhole settings that allow you to enter a range of IP addresses (typically 127.x.x.x) that will trigger rejection?
PS... I liked this phpBB so much, I installed it on one of the websites I manage. The clients love it.