Hello Simon, the post combining, separated by a line, has always been there for two posts from the same user (not admin for some reason) in quick succession (can't recall the exact time), but I get the idea about the quotes would have specified who you were replying to in each case. Couple of easy options...
Simplest or perhaps neatest option would be starting by addressing the user you're aiming the reply at
Eg
"Mark, When I first started working on my 3D printed Enigma machine I didn't have any blueprints to work from ....
Fatboytweed, This guys DVD is very good. No fancy tools required. ...."
Or if you want to replicate the original system all you need to do is click 'Quote' next to the reply button (the plus will change to a minus, and clicking again cancels it), then hit 'Reply', or 'New reply' and presto you have their post back in your reply. You can also do it with the quick reply box, but it will ask at the bottom of the box to make sure you want to add it/them.
Two things to be aware of though.
The quote button can be used to quote multiple posts, so clicking quote on another post doesn't get rid of the other. This can be used to reply to multiple posts in one go, but can get tricky making sure all of the replies and quotes stay where they should.
The quote button can also to transfer a quote to a different thread. If you select 'quote' on a post in one thread, do not to reply, then go to reply to another thread it will show the following line at the bottom of the typing pane. (same as you see on the quick reply box)
"You have selected one post outside of this thread. Quote this post too, deselect this post"
Giving you the option to add the quote if you intended to use it, or get rid of it if you forgot it was selected in the first place.
Hope some of that makes sense, I think I made it sound more complex than it is.
Don't worry about making a mess either, everything can be edited afterwards if you're not happy with the result.
Simplest or perhaps neatest option would be starting by addressing the user you're aiming the reply at
Eg
"Mark, When I first started working on my 3D printed Enigma machine I didn't have any blueprints to work from ....
Fatboytweed, This guys DVD is very good. No fancy tools required. ...."
Or if you want to replicate the original system all you need to do is click 'Quote' next to the reply button (the plus will change to a minus, and clicking again cancels it), then hit 'Reply', or 'New reply' and presto you have their post back in your reply. You can also do it with the quick reply box, but it will ask at the bottom of the box to make sure you want to add it/them.
Two things to be aware of though.
The quote button can be used to quote multiple posts, so clicking quote on another post doesn't get rid of the other. This can be used to reply to multiple posts in one go, but can get tricky making sure all of the replies and quotes stay where they should.
The quote button can also to transfer a quote to a different thread. If you select 'quote' on a post in one thread, do not to reply, then go to reply to another thread it will show the following line at the bottom of the typing pane. (same as you see on the quick reply box)
"You have selected one post outside of this thread. Quote this post too, deselect this post"
Giving you the option to add the quote if you intended to use it, or get rid of it if you forgot it was selected in the first place.
Hope some of that makes sense, I think I made it sound more complex than it is.
Don't worry about making a mess either, everything can be edited afterwards if you're not happy with the result.