Rorke,
Great time to start a new thread. Before engaging on your topic I'd like to mention the last thread went from 31 December 2013, 21:02:02 to 29 May 2021, 16:35:25, which isn't a bad run. I wonder if this thread will beat 7 years, 4 months, and 29 days. I wonder what I'll be doing Halloween weekend in 2028.
On topic last topic, I don't begrudge anyone muting anyone else. I would hope the decision is made with serious contemplation and I can understand it when it is. I find there is a lack of empathy in most online discussions, often on both ends, because realizing the other person is done is a matter of body language and expression more so than any text can communicate.
On this topic, I'm sad that DoctorMonkey (Dan) has apparently moved on from Battletech. I just looked at the first couple of pages of the last thread: Dan, fltadm, ShadowRaven, BrokenMnemonic, Davout73, and Mastergunz haven't been active between six years and six months or so.
I'm looking forward to getting my kids into Battletech, both have new miniatures, beyond the starter game they have played. Besides, it has been a solid few years of Battletech/MechWarrior video games so things, as you said, ought to be picking up.
Best wishes to all.