I like green eggs and ham, I will eat them in a store. I will eat a little more. I like them in a tree. I will share some, you and me. Sometimes I fry them in a pan. I believe they've made me a heathy strong man.
Typically there were few advantages to having a friend list other than bypassing filters. I was on one one site that had private chat rooms only friends could see. That was very cool. However, otherwise, they always seemed sorta pointless.
Whatever distance prevents us from being together on a regular basis. I'm aware that a "regular basis" is a subjective term, but it's a reality based thing not some internet fantasy.
Seriously, if there is someone I wish to talk to from the forums that has mail filters I'll let them know via a post that I wish to message. If that doesn't work then oh well.
Most forum sites had the feature you suggest. I don't doubt this one had it at one time as well. There's a much better chance of features being taken away than added.
RE: When are we going to get a break from our extreme hot ambient temperatures going to cool off.
Unfortunately, many people are idiots and not scientists.