Everyone here used to speak up when someone was being an ass. That doesn't happen much anymore. So I think the regulars are indeed failing the site. Newer members are afraid to say something when a high post count veteran is being a complete dick. As a result, the people acting like asses begin to run riot. Add the fact that the forum is so much bigger now and you have a place going through some serious growing pains. These growing pains were the reason why the infraction system was implemented. For one, I think it was a very good move indeed. There has been a lot less need for infractions over the last 2 months.
I will say that I bet the new members that come here still quite appreciate what a great place it is. Its only the old members that are saying there is something wrong. I have traveled all over the world and what I am hearing here is something that I have heard a lot. This place isn't the same since the good ole days. Thailand is an especially good example of this. People today in Ko Phangan will say, you should have been here in 2004. It was much better then. People in 2004 were saying you should have been here in 1994. I was there in 1997 and folks were saying that it was much better in 1991. It never ends. Folks are always nostalgic for the times gone by. When in reality, maybe it is us and our perspective that has changed.
This brings us to today. We all need to chip in and make contributions for it to be as good as we think it should be. Don't let ******** be ********. Say something. It doesn't need to be accepted.
One last thing I will say.... I have been answering the same questions from new members for a long time. Should I trade reliable veteran X for long term prospect A and flash in the pan B? Sometimes it is tiring answering this same question year after year. This may also be contributing to the lack of quality responses from the regulars.
Either way, I think it was Steve that said... you get what you give. So, all the regulars need to give what they want to get out.