I think that, for better or worse, forums reflect real life in some ways... I don't have very many friends I've kept my entire life in RL. I've gained some here and there, and then I lose some here and there.

Forums like ours may be even more challenging, however, because a lot of times people reach out in their time of need and when that time passes (as it does for many), their interest in logging on to the forums regularly fades. Some people stick around but I suspect most people don't, once they have gotten (and given) what they need for themselves.