I very rarely post on the crevo threads (it's been years) because the creationist posters have sincere religious beliefs which I don't wish to offend at all. I genuinely respect their beliefs -- they were the beliefs of my forefathers. I used to read the science articles Patrick Henry pinged us to but stayed clear of the arguments downthread. I doubt if the arguments changed anybody's mind anyway.
Recent events on FR have left a chill in the air for some of us scientifically trained political conservatives. Although none of the rancour and allegations were directed at me personally, I felt that my core values and scientific integrity had been impugned. It was like a kick in the gut from a place I respect.
Hopefully you can understand that and why people have left.
Truly, I do understand why so many evolutionists left. But it was ill-advised. I know of no other high profile forum on the web where the issues have been for so many years debated among persons holding diverse views. Now the voice of the veteran evolutionist debaters has been reduced to a whisper. But there will be new voices to take their place. Of that I am certain.