Free Republic is almost 25 years old. We're on "Generation 2" of people on this site. Sure, lots of older people are still here. But lots of others joined in the last few years and so can't be expected to know about the legendary history of the site, and famous contributors from earlier eras.
Like it or not, we are dying off (literally) and if Free Republic is to continue and grow, we need to be a little more welcoming to the newcomers.