Is there a way to add text and/or a banner at the top above where it says "Start New Topic" but below the header where the links are? Also, how can I change the Favicon?

Also is there a way to add Forum Statistics and a Who's Online anywhere...maybe as a plugin?

You can make use of the custom "Block Feature" - to find at admin desktop/UI Elements/Blocks. With it you can make it happen to place a banner or a text or you can do many other things - simply try out all the positions to place the banner or text - I think you need to use the position:

block_all_topic_before

or

block_posts_before

but I`m not sure about it so best is to try it ot.

Good luck man and if you need further help let us know it please

Kind regards,

Andy