I think the real problem we're facing has nothing to do with age really. Its about maturity.
I've seen several posts from younger guys on the Mature forum that are actually quite good. I start out reading, check the guys age and think "Oh oh what's this guy posting here for?" Then the guy will usually make a comment about how he is looking for quality advice and that is why he is posting here. As long as he isn't being arrogant or an idiot and shows respect for the forum and the other posters I have no problem having a conversation with an 18 year old.
How can we police this though? Its nearly impossible to rate people's maturity. Hell, I've been in a wacky mood and posted some stupid crap here too. I'm sure we all have. Other times its great to have stimulating intellectual conversation with people who have experienced the same things.
Maybe the forums shouldn't be classified according to age but according to the types of posts. Maybe the Mature Man forum should actually be the Mature Topics forum.
As far as the main board goes I think the quality has fallen off because of a large rapid influx of young newbies who have driven away all the great "old" timers who used to post here regularly.
For example: BungoPony says,
.Wow, so it's come to this?
I don't pop in here much anymore since the entire board has gone downhill. This seems to be one of the more decent forums on here.
Getting some more "mature" advice onto the main board would definately help but there's a generation gap so to speak. We're just like a bunch of grumpy old men saying "Errr those Damn whipper snappers! I just don't understand the younger generation these days. Back in my day we respected our elders blah blah blah......"
I really appreciate what you're trying to do Survivor its a tough task. I'm not really sure what to say.