I've browsed that forum before in the past. As you said, a great source of information.
Compared to even 10 years ago, the level of commitment needed to keep an old school forum running is massive.
Keeping it clear of hackers and spam, and the software up to date is incredibly time consuming and laborious.
Quite simply, the only ones that survive and thrive are those with their own servers, and folks willing to put the time in, like Funkycowie on here, and Aliengravy on the C90club forum.