It is true that the forums are run differently. On this one, I pretty much just host the software, and the content is owned by the members. The breakaway group seemed to think that I am a dictator. I probably am - regarding how the forum is hosted though this shouldn't matter to the content of the forum, which is what people come here for. People don't come here because the forum is hosted in a particular way!
We try to never moderate posts here - we respect free speech. Most of the time there are no issues at all. We certainly have no issue in speaking about the other forum.
From what I have heard from others, the other forum has experienced times of heavy moderation and I have heard complaints about this from multiple people. I guess that is something to consider when choose a primary forum to frequent.
The other forum has a core of Sydney based members, so yes it probably has limited value for members living in other states. It is interesting to note that most members logging on to this forum are from NSW, so I suppose that the other forum isn't taking too much traffic away from this one.
I don't really have an issue with the breakaway guys though I'm pretty sure that they still have an issue with me. I don't really mind. I'm not really active in the MR2 scene anyway so it doesn't impact me.
This forum does get a lot more traffic than the other one.
Just my rambling thoughts..... Seeya!