I think you've been sober too long!  If you give the whole situation a little thought, you'll realize that when there is something significant to discuss, very timely discussions take place here.  Lately, it's been like sitting back and watching the grass grow and a little levity (OT) helps ease the pain of being "patient."

Do you really want everyone on this board to go through a personality change to accomodate "the newbies"?  If you think there have been hard feelings before, you ain't seen nuthin' yet. 

Sit back after dinner tomorrow, enjoy a drink (maybe two) and reconsider this proposal.