I see your point, OP.

However, there is often a General Chat forum on boards like these, and PC is by no means an exception to that standard. There are a multitude of topics and even games on PC which have nothing to do with MH; this has been the way for at least as long as I've been a member here.

As for talking about non-MH things on a site like this? I think it's very, very important; not only does it serve as a "safe" place to have a distraction or two, but you can chat and banter with people who "get" you, or at least have a much better chance of that.

That being said, I think the site would still be a success and very supportive to members even if it didn't have a way to chat instantly, but I still think that chat has its place.

I agree that the ES issue (one which has been around for quite a while) needs to be addressed, but until someone comes up with a magical solution, I'm afraid that's the nature of it -- unfortunately, we're not all trained professionals equipped to deal with people's problems, on top of their own. As far as I know, PC is not, nor was it ever meant to be a replacement for professional help.