I think whats lacking is interest in the chat or the forum... and what i mean by interest is not people or simplicity.
I believe if you have good topics (even if they are controversial or problematic) people will come and talk....
you need more people like Danny C, i would hire 5 people like him to post topics that will get people talking, it doesnt have to be the greatest topic or the best statement, it has to be something that catches interest...(that's if you want hits, if you want content then post more general topics that everyone can relate 2)
the chat sucks regardless ...its never full everytime i log on i see no more then 3 or 4 people ..that rarely even chat....and if they do its nothing exciting mostly fresh off the boat mexicans looking for other mexicans or mexicans back home asking questions about life in canada...lol