I don't know how this place used to be, being a new member, but hey, everyone is entitled to a little nostalgia every once in a while
As a newer member, I can opine that this forum is a fairly well-behaved and overall friendly place. I have gotten some impressions of what you are talking about, though, Lu.
I don't think that you are the only senior member that longs for the days of old. Some posters seem to be quite selective of who they will respond to, whether it be good or bad. Almost as if there is a "newbie filter". And, this may not be the case at all. If the forum is moving this fast, maybe some people only skim the posts for names they know and respect. Whether it be good, bad, or indifferent, some people require that others earn their respect before they will be paid attention to.
Of course, there are some senior members that will go out of their way to try to make people welcome. Both Kate and Terraphon come to mind immediately. I'm sure their are others, these two are just the most memorable for helping me feel welcomed.
Personally, I am glad that this is a large, active forum. There will be some bad with the good, but more people means more potential for brainstorming, discussions, and ideas, among many other things.
Some of the things I've noticed about forums is that the larger a community gets, the more effort it takes, by all members, not to get that "cold" feeling. And, on the flip-side, people have to learn that they can't take things too personally.
Anyway, as usual, I've rambled...sorry about that. I would just hate to see this community become divided. So far there seems to be a pretty strong, underlying tone of people wanting to be genuinely helpful and constructive here, and I hope that is what prevails.
BTW, a good one liner is good every once in a while. Especially after a schmaltzy "can't we all just get along" post like this
BTW, Phalse....paranoid, much?