Now, let's not have any more talk about this bizarre coverup.

The last BIG changes were, IMO, mostly cosmetic and didn't address bigger issues.  

What I think TER needs to do is make some big, radical improvements.

1. Better forum software, maybe using Open Source or free packages.  
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Internet_forum_software  

TER would no longer have to spend money on maintaining their own code. They'd just need someone to keep up with the free software upgrades.

The MAJOR bumps will probably be migrating all of the old Forum posts to a new system. MAJOR.

2. Private Mail (no search function, etc.)

Most forum software includes some kind of internal mail system.

Migration will probably be the MAJOR hassle.

3. Better review form and options.  
a. Change the options for many categories that people agree are dumb. Thin / skinny? If a provider has dark skin, she must be AA, right???! Many misuse "Native American" for WASP instead of American Indian. Russian, Baltic? And other inconsistencies.  
b. Add NEW data fields. E.g., body type from PICTURES of body types, not subjective nonsense (baby fat = fat); complexion from a COLOR CHART, not someone's imagination; toy-friendly; etc.
c. Change from single button data options (yes or no) to multiple selections allowed, i.e., "check all that apply" types of data fields.  

The MAJOR problems will probably be migrating the old database to anything new. There will have to be a field entry to indicate that there is no information because of the changeover. E.g., Provider has no body type? Or skin color? "Profile entry predates creation of this data field. See migrated verbal description at bottom of Profile."  Only old Profiles will have the old info. New Profiles and reviews will not need the old data fields.

4. Other suggestions that I can't remember right now.

Any BIG changes will be a bit painful but, I hope, worth the effort.  

I HOPE that TER will ask us for input and discussion of proposed changes BEFORE they actually do anything.