I can see BirdDancer's. LizardLady's and ~Christina's points.

As I understand Liz, her suggestion that people start a separate blog is a reasonable option in my mind as well.

I have witnessed exactly what ~Christina has written about. It's true that members who would otherwise post several posts a day in a very disorganized, chaotic manner are encouraged (in the BP forum) to keep one thread going instead of overwhelming the forum. (In a sense, this is also BirdDancer's concern, that of overwhelming the forum.)

Last, but not least, I also see BirdDancer's point, which I think is at least in part about the forum(s) becoming overwhelmed should additional members choose to launch their own "diary type" threads.

~Christina has additionally noted the relatively recent decision to move "treatments" to it's own sub-forum (In BP forum) has resulted in the treatment threads not getting adequate responses/attention, which may be similar to what could occur if these threads by individuals are all turned into blogs.

I happen to think it's critical to be able to look quickly at a forum and to be able to discern which members need more immediate support. Some of us check-in briefly (and repeatedly) throughout the day (sometimes the night) in order to quickly help to support the more urgent requests for support/direction. Lengthy diary type, or even dietary types of threads can clog up the works at times; yet, these threads also serve members asking for support.

There are many valid points here.

It appears there is not, at this point, simply one reasonable approach.

Again, I do understand BirdDancer's concern these long threads will overwhelm the forum. I understand ~Christina's concern that multiple posts published in a chaotic/disorganized fashion will overwhelm the forum. I see value in having a quick and a clear vision of posts in more immediate need of support; thus, I, too, am voicing concern over the forum becoming overwhelmed..

So while we all hold this concern, has the forum yet become truly overwhelmed? I would have to say no, in my opinion. Not yet.
I am one to choose the middle ground when it comes to finding resolutions.
Since the forum is not yet overwhelmed by these types of threads, and may not ever become overwhelmed in this way, then it's possible any immediate change/decision is premature at this time.

I see Fuzzy's point regarding the value of fewer forum rules when possible.. Others voice this concern, as well.

I am all for promoting the optimal level of site/forum functioning in the least restrictive environment. (Thanks, Fuzzy.!)

In the meantime, this topic is certainly food for thought. I appreciate BirdDancer having brought attention to this topic, which may or may not need further discussion in the (perhaps near) future..

Just my two cents.
Love to All!