see attached image, but basically having the images on the right side makes it so hard to "read" a post with an image, going back and forth with your eyes to "get" the whole post. So much easier to just put the images between the up-/downvote buttons and the text post.
I don't know if there's a reason for that besides looking different from similar sites. If so, I don't think this is the way, it really puts a strain on your eyes and our brain is not used to absorb information in this way.
Also is it just me or does clicking on the thumbnail do the same as clicking on the heading? Is this intended? I think it would be better UX if clicking the thumbnail would take you directly to the link/image.
You are right, it would also probably reduce server load with a higher user base.
Or expand the content inline.
You can load images inline by clicking the generic image icon under the post.
Sure, but I think clicking the thumbnail should do that too, like on Lemmy.