There are a few reasons we want to do this, and it's been well considered for over a year now, weighing out the pros and the cons, and we're very aware it may not make some people happy.
<full explanation removed>
Well, interesting. I guess you succeeded in changing my mind, Indy. I had gone over to this thread after having a knee-jerk negative reaction, with every expectation that I would complain. Now, after reading this entire thread, and especially the post referenced above, I can clearly understand the need for change, and your rationale is extremely well thought out.
Plus, you guys do all the work to maintain the site; you have a right to make the forum however you want. Morally speaking, those people who want things to be different are really obligated to take the time, money, and energy to put up their own site and maintain it.
After some thought I would say that I'm about 90% in favor of the change (10% of me still has some misgivings.)