As a regular poster at Sibhod, I'd agree that it isn't a true alternative to having an Off-Subject forum here on this board. I invite you to take a look back at the early days of this forum, specifically
this thread, and see the kind of camaraderie that existed between its members. This is something that could be regained, if a fresh off-subject section was made. It was an awesome experience for me, while it lasted. I agree with Ingiald, that the members were the issue causing the off-topic boards to be locked, and I think with some strong moderation, the current members wouldn't really cause any problems.
It's true, as Heimstern said, that an Off-subject forum is not obligatory. It is, however, i believe, a great way to boost a forum's vitality and friendship between its members. Just because you've had one bad experience with an off-subject board on this forum doesn't mean it's always going to turn out that way. The previous board lasted for years before it went bad, and who's to say that it will go bad again if it was rebooted fresh? All I'm asking is that you take a look at what your members are saying. Maybe take a poll, I don't know. All i want is to see these forums regain their former glory.