And I don't think you're seeing my specific position on the matter. I agree that people shouldn't be discarded.. as long as there is someone willing to host a forum, and a mailing list.. you can have both. I don't really agree shutting one or the other down is a good idea.

What I do believe though, is there should be an official communication channel. If that is chosen to be the forums.. then anybody who chooses not to participate on the forums is opting not to be heard (by the majority, and officially) unless they hire themselves a relay.

I'm not saying they need to browse all day and keep up on these threads, or even participate in the pissing contests.. however if the people you're talking about (paid contributors and what not) have an opinion or suggestion on something to improve or whatever.. and they can't be bothered to make a single thread or post about it.. then it doesn't really seem as if it's that important to them. Evidently, not using the forum, a very useful tool for a very large portion of the community - is more important than whatever issue they are trying to raise.

Understand though.. that this works the other way. If the mailing list would be selected as an official channel - then if someone cares to say something important they can do so through the mailing list. If they can't be bothered to set that up.. then it's obviously not that big of a deal.