DU's administrators took my advice.
On June 21, 2010, I advised our administrators as follows: A friendly suggestion: Clone DU.
This year, they did so. The "clone" site is called Discussionist, and while it was not created to address the specific problem I identified in my OP (above), it is proving to be interesting and useful. I like what I am seeing so far.
And, just in case it wasn't obvious, and I'm not hiding this connection, Laelth on DU is Kheledon on Discussionist.
Kudos, admins, and better late than never. 
-Laelth
= new reply since forum marked as read
I'm more of the mind that they have (unintentionally) created a "monster". 
We're working on civility over there, believe it or not. That, alone, has been useful.
ymmv.
-Laelth
Don't I deserve just a little credit here?
LOL. My ego needed a little boost.
-Laelth
I'm guessing it was worth it, eh ? 
It's hard to hang out and post here for nearly 10 years and not take some heat, but I keep coming back.
Guess that means it is worth it, but I wonder sometimes.
-Laelth
It was worth it, it appears. Enjoy ! 
I feel better now.
-Laelth
