I'm not sure if this is possible, or if there would be an interest, but I've been on other forums where a real-time chat has been integrated into the front page of the site and I think it would really bring members closer together as far as socializing. It seems like the real-time chat is pretty hidden and underutilized at the moment since you have to make it a point to actually get there. If it was on the main page everyone who comes through could pop in and simply say "hi," link to a page/forum that needs attention, ask a simple question without needing to create an entire subforum or post, etc etc. 

Just a thought!

[EDITOR'S NOTE: PLEASE ANSWER THIS QUESTION IN THE POLL BELOW, SO I (JULIA) CAN GET A CLEARER GAUGE OF MEMBER INTEREST. FEEL FREE TO ELABORATE IN THE COMMENTS TOO.]