So what would you be your personal preference the portal or a public KB?

I don't think it's an either-or scenario.

• First and foremost, I would go for practical considerations: get a public KB with relevant accurate information available to help people.
• The next step would be making it look nice via the portal - stylistic considerations.

You could always continue to add content to the KB on an ongoing basis once the styles are ratified and consistent.

I'd prefer useful but plain-looking over pretty but useless.

(Sadly, I've encountered too many of the latter, including people that can't look past cosmetic appearances and realise they've got a dud on their hands).