Yes, there *is* a way around this but before I provide the link I want to stress that NO ONE should use this unless the ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO because of load and other issues. Now thats out of the way, there is a system called
CPanel Proxy which you can install in a subdomain on your account to enable access to CPanel behind a strict firewall.
Skatiechik, in your case if you decide to use the proxy you should perhaps elect to uninstall your own copy of awstats given that its not really needed if you can get in to CPanel through the proxy.
Dom, with your thread problem, I'm not sure why the box isn't dropping down but when you reply to a thread by clicking "New Reply" you can opt to be notified by using the drop down box in the page (its near the bottom, just above the submit button). Having said that, I get subscribed to threads even if I just reply using quick reply. Perhaps its because I'm green.