Its a great forum, no1 english language source of news on shmups, lots of good resources etc... but I have to agree the atmosphere, concensus and culture on that board is oppressive, anal and humourless. It doesn't seem like its all down to the individual people on the board, its as much the culture thats developed there. I've never come accross another gaming forum where enjoyment and insight feel so relegated and the posting practices and etiquette take on such significance, almost to the point of ritual. It feels like its nessisary to put a warning in the thread title that it may contain irony or a non-literal statement.
The shmup defenition issue may not seem like a big deal, but there are no other decent sized forums, where it would be worth posting quality posts for, shooting sub-genres like 'run&guns' etc.. Alot of the relegated subgenres share more important things with the accepted shmpups, like skill-set, design philosophy, aesthetics and most importantly fanbase, than wether the screen auto scrolls or whatever.. Ultimately they have what they want, a cosey narrowminded members club.