viewpost icon suggestion and smilies.
 

Instead of a squared off icon may I suggest that having a spyglass to convey this icon from within the quoted posts be considered.

Smilies are coming along nicely but a bit of advice. Being 16px by 16px your giving the shadown at the bottom too much canvas space resulting in limitations in conveying the smilies better. If it where me I would give the shadow 2 px and place the base (smiley over the top) as long as you see a little shadow you'll still get that depth and perspective.

Overall revision 2 variants are better but still need refined.