I suppose I've got a similar story. I've met several RL friends through my past forum jaunts. But it seems in recent years that the appeal of re-re-returning to forums will wane.
One idea I'm playing with is the general feeling for the lack of progress that seems to follow most forums. What I mean is that not only the sciences, but even Philosophy will ideas build upon itself. The history of what was discussed will add up and support future discussion. But typical forums feel like a never-ending loop destined to repeat the same content.
But who knows... maybe that's just part of getting older? Like when you're in college you love going to clubs, but when you're old and grizzled you prefer sitting in a quiet pub with your friends. You tire of seeing the ditzy blondes get too drunk to walk, and the freshman poser who snuck in with a fake ID and ends up puking in a trash can in the corner. After enough of that it's more tempting to sip on an irish beer while talking about a great new mulch you're trying.
Or maybe I'm just jaded.
*shrug*