Hm I guess I am one of the people who somewhat drifted away.
I was a very active member from may 2000 'till summer 2001, then I was inactive for a long time, then I occasionally dropped by, and I guess this here is my second post for at least a year.
I think the general reason for people stopping posting regularly is that after some time you have discussed all the topics that you found interesting, and therefore you have to wait until something else comes up. On the other hand, people also have a life to live, and therefore get other interests, which doesn't mean that they don't enjoy Tolkien or the Downs anymore.
I've always enjoyed this site, and I have had great fun discussing this or that, or participating in a quiz or whatever. And I guess that won't change for a long time.
Even if the number of members I know decreases from year to year, as is the case
Btw, is burrahobbit still around?