My VIP is set to expire in about three weeks, and once gone, there goes access to reviews, and the PM system. Reading board posts, and commenting, will still be possible, and I've heard that writing new reviews still gets you free VIP days, albeit only with ladies outside the USA (which includes those who've recently "relocated").
So, I'm in the same boat as to continuing membership here. I've been around "only" fourteen years, but remember many of the same experiences as you. The chat room, Miki's parties, TBM's and Octavia's M&G's, Vegas, Foxwoods, Toni's parties in Florida and elsewhere...it's been a great ride. Once my VIP runs out, I won't be retiring, but will be losing the most (by far) valuable resource I've had in the hobby since the beginning. But it's not all bad...my connections with my beloved ATF's are not dependent on staying connected here, and I somehow think I'll still be able to hear about upcoming M&G's. Outside of visiting with the ladies, these are the most fun part of this game, and the one we attended in NYC last night was on par with the best of them.
So, it won't be the end. Not for me, at least.