Unadulterated genius
I think y'all are missing out on the real possibilities here. G-K mentioned the popularity of the ST thread as well as the debate, humor and rumors that it has engendered. These are all good things -- to be replicated at every opportunity.
Perhaps it's too much to ask but wouldn't Tuesday Afternoon PB Fights be a kick? raehl vs. Robo, scrapping about whatever, the price of tea in China or the relative merits of dry cleaning. You know it would devolve into a good old fashioned verbal throw down. Which would be awesome--and attract lots of attention.
Given Pete's blood pressure that may not be viable
but how 'bout an alternative? Set-up periodic "debates" of various PB issues and let a specific group of combatants thrash it out, no holds barred? This is a great idea, if I do say so myself (and I just did). Early on it should be Celebrity Throw Down and perhaps it could later be opened up to occasional bouts featuring the "best" of the registered users.
Yes, I know, this sounds like what the forums are supposed to be about anyway--but they seldom are, and that's the point. If we make it a specific requirment and set up rules for each engagement the prospect for real fireworks and entertainment increases.
We start with a Sticky thread requesting topics and when we open a Thrown Down up it's on a strict time limit, then, afterwards, we run a poll to cast votes for the "winner." This has to happen!