I really hope the best for this community. I have no ties to it, I tried and failed. And even though I was treated lika a 3rd-class member in this community because I was new and didn't like discussions, I only have good wishes to all of you. I can see you all care and want this to move forward, and share a passion for this site and the memories you have of it. This thread is an amazing example of how important it is for most of you, and that if you all just changed the angle of approach to not clash between each other, nothing would stop you.
I think that searching for the origin of the problem is not productive in this case. It just becomes a witch hunt that would end in conflict and possibly the death of the forums. I know that what I'm about to ask for is hard, because we humans don't behave like this... but maybe it's time to forgive and forgot.
Mistakes were made, surely, and maybe somepeople aren't our cup of tea, but if this community further divides itself by placing blame and asking for unrealistic things from those who oppose you, then nothing is accomplished.
What I suggest is to make a true effort to forgive what was done, either personally or generally, and forget it happened to really go forward. I would be more than interested in becoming a regular again if that happened, and follow through with that mindset. I would even bring some people along too!
However that would bring another problem, and that's the way new people is received. I saw my Introduction thread, and compared it to others. While I was welcomed in a warm manner, others were greeted with pessimism and warnings about the condition of the forums. That first impression is vital, and while I'm grateful by the way I was welcomed, I wish that would extend to everybody.
The constant mentioning of the state of the forums is a drawback. It's impossible to try and fight for survival if the attitude is one of perpetual pessimism. You need to tell yourself that the forums are going to grow, even if you think you're lying to yourself. That keeps you up and running, and that's something that very few people practice.
I joined this place because my friend told me it was a nice and laid back forum that meant something to her. I don't even like Pokemon that much, but I stayed because the people here were cool!... when they were not attacking each other, that is. It was disheartening to see people I liked to hang out with turn to me and call me names because I didn't support "their side" of the current discussion. And by the end of the day, I found myself angry at some people, with is something that never happens to me online. And all of that... why? Because someone said Skyward Sword is the best Zelda game? I think that a sound advice is that discussions should never get personal, and if you feel they are becoming personal, it's fine to lose the argument. Be better and let "the other side win" and you will win.
I know I digressed, so here's a tl;dr:
-Both staff and members should forgive and forget what happened up to this point.
-New people comes, make'em feel nice. First impressions are a big deal
-Be optimistic at all costs. You'll find it's easier for you to contributewhen you have a positive mindset about the future
-Discussions are not something to take personal, if the other person does so, just drop the topic in a respectful manner.
I can't really do more. I apologize in advnce if you feel that I should have no input in this, but it does sadden me the way this place is headed to. Not because of me, but for the people of this community, that I can see do care about it.
Best of wishes.