It's a combination of things. Back in the day, we could discuss deep things and actually make progress with the issues, because we didn't know each other or how each other thought, so the arguments were fresh and interesting (Paul, Harv, Dick, Aurino and Tenacious primarily) however now we are so familiar with each others' positions that when a discussion begins it's easy to predict within two posts how it will end. We need new blood. Backing up a few notches to discuss with you guys things that detract from genuine philosophy doesn't help (Harv's bugged by that more than me because he appreciates philosophical musings more, while I prefer the hard science, generally speaking)