But IRC is hidden away. IRCs do not engage new people.
Would a compromise be to add an IRC to the main forum page instead? So that anyone new visiting can interact with it? Under the boards of Antichtone for example? Peter/ Paul analogy noted, but IRC is a zero sum game. As we lose people from natural attrition, you need new people replacing them. They won't find IRC when they first visit our boards.
IRC doesn't need moderating so no extra work if an angry noob rants on there, but at least the angry noob is getting a response from the community even if its "Bog off". If noobs want to ask FE questions on IRC, then steer them up to the forums, but they can at least join debates.
I fear you won't like this suggestion either because you all like the enclosed medium of IRC and chatting only with those familiar to you. But FES must be extrovert to grow, even if the vast majority of its members are not.
@Pizza, look at the forum stats. The physical number of posts. I noticed because I arrived here this morning, and there was nothing to read. People are still visiting, but actual debate is taking place elsewhere. I suspect the old IRC has also been acting as a parachute on us for a long time, but now the difference is more marked.