*bang* Oh, sorry. Didn't get to the last line in time.
This place is very subdued, there seems little knock-about, too serious by half, and that is WITH the FFA, take it away and the place may have to deal with sterility.
Guess what? Some of us LIKE rational, calm discussions. This place is an Internet refuge from the usual flame wars, sloppy or biased moderation, and utter nonsense of many (most?) Internet fora. About the most excitement we have had here recently was a comedy-war between Dan Caroll and Mr. Hambre - which both lost.
I do agree, however, that retirement of the FFA is unnecessary, and might change the flavor of the board - not necessarily for the better. A somewhat looser forum is needed on a place like this.