This is an interesting thread, although ultimately it is unlikely to achieve anything - whether there is anything to achieve or not - as agreement will not be achieved easily.

The (mostly) calm and questioning posts are good to read.

I am grateful to many posters who have helped me to benefit on many occasions. I hope that I have helped some others and "repaid the debt".

Of course there is a clique - but that's fine and understandable. If you do not like the board, move on. I have shared my thoughts in the past with the moderators on some of the causes of this.

I do not think that some posters thoughts are more important than others, although those who travel most often will have more experience to share - granted it may be more likely to be in F or J, which may not be relevant to all.

I wonder whether the post count and the "Evangelist" title is really helpful and perhaps leads to some issues? Size is not everything.

The generally wide variety of subjects, is good. Not everything interests me, so I read what does. Champagne and GF threads appeal to me, and not to others - fine. Threads on Jersey flight frequencies and times and what meal is being served on a flight do not interest me, but are no less valid and will be of interest to others. Great - variety is what is required.

I do not spend much time on other boards or fora, so cannot compare.

To conclude - new members joining is always good, and often bring a new perspective. Members come and go, which is fine or spend less time here, as I do now. It would be interesting to understand why people leave, however, and I am sure we can all think of some helpful posters who have left.

Perhaps they have more important things to do with their spare time?