I vaguely recall the forums were only implemented a few months before when I signed up, before then The Escapist didn't even have forums I don't think.
In fact when I first signed up with them, the website not the forums, it was still a digital magazine that was sent out periodically with a few nifty articles on gaming news and discussions. I kinda miss that, there were some really good articles. Not just the now standard inflammatory opinion pieces either, but in-depth analysis and study of certain games and game elements as well. I don't really see that much anymore.
Used to read Rock Paper Shotgun for the same reason but now they've just become so negative and cynical I don't like visiting them either.