Cliff,
I'm sure there are people more knowledgeable than myself on this subject, but have you tried opening a new browser window or tab when you need to go somewhere like photobucket? This would mean you could keep the PPRuNe window and if you don't 'leave' the site, you shouldn't lose your work. If that doesn't make sense, let me know and I can try to explain myself a little better...
By the way, thanks so much for your contributions, it's fascinating and humbling to read. Keep it coming!
Cheers,
Tom