You are right Dan in that the main problem is that people get off topic.
As an example, under the Air/Canada Canadian forum, and under the banner "$145 change fee. This is Unbelievable!!!!" I really wanted to comment on this point but the topic moved to talking about upgrades for certain fares. Ummmm, hello ??!!

Anyways, maybe searches really should never have to go through every single forum/board/thread but rather through every section, i.e. @talk, Airline Program, Hotel Program, etc;.

For me at this point the most often used search function was in searching for my own posts.

Normally, I just browse through the topics and respond here and there. And I get so into my answers sometimes, I don't even remember what topic I'm under. But with the search option, a nice list used to pop up and I just read the most up-to-date ones. It was really convenient. I wouldn't mind doing 5 section-searches, but otherwise I have to keep a pen and paper handy and write down all the topics and board I responded to. This defeats the purpose of being in the computer age, no ?

And as to being charged Water Polo, I'll throw in a dollar into the pot everytime I use the general search function.
But I want a receipt !!!