As you see, I'm a VERY infrequent poster.  However, I've been (mostly) lurking here for years.  I'm glad to see this reorganization and refocusing, because the general vibe of the place had definitely gone downhill, to the point where even my lurking was becoming less and less.  I do like the idea of keeping MacAnally's as a general non-directed conversation area -- every board I frequent has such an area, and I find that it's the best, quickest way to get a feeling for the general environment of the board.  What are the board norms, how are they enforced, are new voices welcomed, and so forth. 

As for the chat, I enjoy an occasional chat, but I don't think it serves the same function as a general discussion area.  Yes, that can be both good and bad, but speaking as somebody who tends to lurk more than post, and needs to feel fairly comfortable with the community before posting, I won't even dip my toes into chat until I've posted quite a lot more than I have here, and until I think I'll recognize and be recognized by some of the folks in the chat.

Iago and all the mods -- thanks for all of your work on this project!