(I wrote this two days ago.. unfortunately I missed that my new client
didnt't sent it at all)

Not wasting so much space on top for wiki space
+1

competition to get a new design:
+1, but is it feasable? Is there enough man power to implement it?
   Moving wiki content again?
   This is much more work than just embedding a new logo.

code snippet: no hello world please. That's not a way to judge a
language! But: a random haskell one line snippet with explanation would
be cool.

If a redesign causes too much work what about adding one eye catcher which
everyone who wants to learn haskell will find immediately but won't
disturb users who are used to the current design?
Eg adding "start learning / tutorial" above "Download Haskell"
would be enough. On that page you can tell the new user about
everything (irc, mailinglists, ...)