My observation... prior to the first removal of the General open post area, it was not uncommon to note 340+ people on line and sometimes over 400 people. Since it closed and even after it was re-opened, I have never seen more than 280 on line and usually more in the 230 to 240 range. Think hard in the future before making rash changes which drive people way from the site, never to come back.
Speaking for the entire Eastern Seaboard, might it have something go do with the fact that it stopped raining & being ice-cold for the last 3 months?