PCB, I too feel that PT has changed in the three years I've been here - and of course it has! New members join and some leave. But I also know that some people have lost interest in PT for the reasons mentioned in this thread - and what a shame! I won't say I've lost interest, however, as PT grows, it is timeconsuming to keep up with all the threads I'd like to, so I have chosen to use my time mostly on the CAT and General sections. I have not been posting much lately for two reasons, I haven't felt very inspired and when I'm tired I don't express myself too well. I also got a job which took most of my time.
Growing as big as PT has, it's enevitable that some members are forming cliques, and that's OK, as long as we also keep our eyes open for other posters and newcomers.

It's sad to see the "oldtimers" leave. I miss some of them - just to name a few .... Sirocco, C.C.'s mom, Bisi.Cat, Gio, Yorkster, AntiPam, Wayne0214, and now also Pam - but I do enjoy a lot of the newer members posts.

It seems that many are very cautious about posting, and that's a pity, but at the same time, I also think the below quotes are valid.

When you post a thread, it should be of interest to other people, that's why it's a forum - for discussions! If there is nothing to say, do not say it. Sometimes I go back to check threads I've missed and I see many interesting threads go to the 3rd or 4th page because some people start threads just to keep themselves busy and the first page is just full of them.
We have people posting "I’m bored" threads. We have people who respond to a post with a smilie or some silly comment, just cause it will make them a pillar quicker. We have people creating threads with the same subjects over and over.
This, I'm sure, is one of the reasons that many just ignore these posters - and will keep doing it, even if they should post something interesting later on. Some are posting like there's no tomorrow. I definately prefer quality over quantity, and I think most do.

Concerning "trolls", I haven't noticed many, but in any case, if you don't "feed them", they won't think it's so funny, and they'll probably leave.