some of my users want not to see a smiliebox while posting a new thread, so i try to figure out, how I can add a custom userprofile option in "edit options" in the settinggroup "visible post elements". i think about such option similar to "Show Signatures", mine would be instead "Show Smiliebox".
I search for the simplest way, so I want not write an own plugin ;)

in adminpanel i know already how to add such options with the help of debugmode switched to on. i know also how i can use them in my templates with <if condition="$vboption[mysetting]==5">5<else />other<if>

Is there a similar easy way to add a custom userprofile setting which allows
my users to specify themselves if they want to display Element X or Y etc.?

I heard something about "bitfields" (xml-file). but there is my knowledge to little and a "howto" would be highly appreciated.