Fair enough except I've been active in the forums for 14 years and devoted a significant percentage of my life trying to raise the quality of forums using a multi-pronged approach but mostly trying to lead by example.  As an influencer, I feel I've been a dismal failure. But having been intimately involved in the forums throughout the years and from both sides of the fence,, I suspect I probably have a unique perspective. Whether that perspective makes me more objective or more biased is certainly debatable.  One thing you should take into consideration is the during my stint as a moderator, a certain degree of circumspection and propriety is both necessary and proper within that role.  I'm in a position now to once again speak my mind. 

Too little too late isn't my problem. Most people having given up isn't my problem ..tbh. 

Yep- let the kids he have their own place to go. Jolly good. Just let it be understood by all what is being discussed in the room. Threads can be hijacked by anyone at anytime. Go overboard- same person/new account soon appears. Policy is not uniformly enforced… except the closing of many valid threads as the only apparent solution.
Perhaps enlisting volunteer mods is productive- but they become mute when over-ridden by higher authorities who in reality are out of touch and share no vested interest. (Repeat of BG’s assessment). Volunteer mods have come and gone by the dozens in the last months. Something is not working. Being let go or fired/quitting- who knows? Perhaps a few details are left out in training, the nature of the job with staff expectations unclear. New volunteers on a monthly basis just doesn’t cut it.

I was too ungenerous, sorry for that. I agree you've put in many years and much passion, and I saw you continue to make quality posts (as a mod) even as (as I imagined it) the forums burned around you. I guess my point is I see topics like Al's and yours not as something practical but as part of the grieving process. No longer chained by the propriety of your former title you're free to do so. Seeing it annoys me for two reasons. One is it reminds me of my grief, and another is I wish we could have grieved together (as in, at the same time).

Neither should be formed as a personal attack against you, sorry again. Anyway, I think that's where I'm coming from.

The way I see it isn't so much about separating age groups... it's that every public space needs rules to keep it from degrading to the lowest common denominator.

A simple rule is "no low effort posts." Warn then mute the garbage accounts who spam one word replies and emojis. Warn then mute topics that are made for the purpose of accumulating posts (counting topics and word game topics for example).

That would resolve most of the issues I have.

An easy resolution- A Nonsense Chat Room !

What always happens to which we can only assume is policy - is to Lock a thread when someone goes way off topic or mentions the C word. (Instead of dealing with the perpetrators).

Different models have been suggested before for chat forums/rooms. The present model undoubtedly needs a revision- a major overhaul by many people’s accounts. The organization of and moderation of forums/rooms could be managed quite differently and effectively. Problem is - as repeated, members simply have adapted and excepted things as they are. (Given up). Staff has expressed zero interest in making any improvements. Business as usual. Counting threads, mutes/bans generate advertising dollar’s. 

Seems as if all areas of CC get reviewed and undergo intended improvements- except for the Forums which never become mentioned. UR right- don’t expect any changes.

Considering people will blindly believe anything their favorite news outlet tells them.  Does it matter?

My understanding is a forum overhaul is in the cards but I have no idea when or what changes are being made for certain, though I don't believe they will be drastically different from a layout/format standpoint.

RIP:

The State of the Forums or Down the Rabbit Hole

In the now-locked State of the Forums thread that was incorrectly moved to Off Topic, the moderator wrote:

"Here is a general guideline on chess.com posting rules, noting that religious and political debate is not allowed in the main public forum.  So, as you were, and happy foruming!

Chess.com Posting Rules - Chess Forums - Chess.com "

I just wanted to clarify that this is a completely wrong interpretation.   By spending a little more time looking for rules, he would have found @Erik 's directive in a sticky post in the Off-Topic Forum itself (i.e. it applies specifically to the Off-Topic Forum):
Chess.com Content Rules - Be nice + No religious or political debate
" No religious or political debate or commentary in the regular forums. Religion and politics are important and deeply personal, but Chess.com is a friendly community where we come together around a common love for chess and debating these two topics tend to pull people apart. If you would like to discuss religion or politics, you may do so in many of the private clubs on Chess.com. "

Obviously by main forums, he meant all the sub forums and was simply distinguishing them from other discussion areas. 

Beyond that, the religious/political ban had been established in all the sub forums for over 10 years.  It has been so firmly set, there was never any confusion (such as now).

Does that sum up the attitude to forums that give a view.?

Does it mean that  forums that ( as far as I have seen ) break no existing rules , can be locked regardless?

The thread that was locked deserved to be locked - days ago.  It was allowed to go on long after it lost its way.  Mods can, indeed, move/lock threads on a whim.  Doing the correct thing doesn't seem to be a guiding principle anymore. 

Why is this the wrong interpretation again?

Its an internet website.  The only "right" you have is to be here.  The "rules" are more guidelines that the site uses.  The "rules" are not and have never been evenly enforced.  It seems to be like a personal preference on things.  The King sits on his throne and delegates to the lackeys.  And the peasants wont rise up because they are the ones being placated,so dont expect any serious change.  At least until V5 comes out.

I'm not sure what you're asking.
Political and religious discussions have been verboten in all forums for over a decade. That's a simple fact.  The mod was saying it's allowed in the Off Topic Forum and cited the posting rules to back it up.  But the posting rules specific to the Off Topic utilize the same language, making obvious that his interpretation is wrong. 

Oh, because he said "as you were, and happy forming" I guess?

But then he locked it so... ?

So, drinking on the job should be discouraged perhaps.