The only question I have about everything you said is:

How is a mailing list any more of everything you just said than a forum? They provide an area that you can easily trace (as long as they aren't purged.. which is the same for archives of a mailing list) what people are doing/have done, ask questions, and join in any time...

In fact.. I think forums are a little better in that case just because in a mailing list - you either have to go through the entire history (or just the thread you're interested in) that is on the web anyway.. or you just get whatever quotes were included in the reply emails since you sign up.

Take me for example.. didn't even know it (-community) was there. I don't like mailing lists.. but if it came down to using that as the official resource I'd sign up... but just by signing up I don't automatically know or get an announcement of every important discussion ever made on that mailing list... I have to go back through the archives.

Exact same thing on the forum, except its the same interface to go through the "archives" as it is to actively post on new ones. You just sign up for the forum and look through the "community" section.

So far.. the only benefit I can see to a mailing list over a forum, logically (personal bias aside), is that replying to threads is simplified if all you have to do is reply to an email. That part of it is just easier.

Some people prefer Mailing lists, which is fine - others prefer forums - which is also fine. I also don't mind if both exist.. TBH. I believe people SHOULD have a choice. But, what I do think... is there should be an "official" channel.. and if you choose not to participate in the "official" method - you are making the conscious choice to not be heard by most people.