After researching extensively, I have found that the main difference between almost standards mode and standards mode is related to image alignment in table cells.
However, a particular question on Internet Explorer 8 and Checkbox CSS Problem, has pointed out that there are differences in how IE8 and Opera render checkboxes in these two modes. Interestingly, this discrepancy exists even though tables and images are not present on the mentioned page.
Considering this new information, are there any other variations between almost standards mode and standards mode?