Well Ken,I look at it this way,IMHO the meat and potatoes of this Forum is lacking traffic and, content.It's true we all could be posting more new interesting threads.
For Me,I'm so used to being told to use the search function on other forums that,I am always reluctant to post.I just search other forums for the info. I need.I mean it's hard to post and not feel like I'm beating a dead horse!
That said,I think the threads in question are fine and, as for the Down Here thread,I think it's very well written and,entertaining.I think once this forum fills up with "more useful" threads these,"silly" threads will become less of an annoyance to You.
Also,with the caliber of players and,Luthiers posting here I think the content can be pushed well beyond other forum's content!Give it some time
....Chris.