First point, I'm not a moderator, nor do I presume I'll ever be one. I do not speak for what I presume to be the majority. I speak only for what I see and understand. I do not speak for sciforums.
That was the disclaimer.
Now, the meat.
Look. You've already said your friends are deserting for other forums, presumably under the impression they'll get better treatment elsewhere. Fine, whatever floats your boat.
It is obvious, therefore, that they are able to find something more to their liking elsewhere.
So why are you here? Why make this post? Does it make a shred of difference to you if they're here or not, if they have options? Why don't you go where they are, and have a nice chat?
There are a thousand forums out there, they come and go, and they all follow the rules of tolerance and equity.
This one has been here a very, very long time, as far as these things go.
Y'all talk about tolerance, but y'aint got none. Y'all want it your way, everywhere.
Little pink houses, all in a row.
Your friends can do it their way. This place will survive without them.
What, exactly, is the problem?
I'm not seeing it.
Unless, of course, you see something here which isn't available elsewhere. So you want to come in and take advantage of whatever tolerance there is, in order to have a burger your way.
Like an illegal immigrant.