I think the forums are beginning to make a comeback, especially Beyond Dreaming. Not only have a few of us decided that trying to use science to prove or at least get people to try and prove a lot of the phenomena described in BD is worth the time and are making regular posts here, many of the scientific discoveries and technological advances are rekindling a lot of the long burnt out flames of paranormal phenomena and their discussion. For instance, I never thought I would believe in any of this shit, and now I do. Stagnation? Depends on your perspective, but I am a skeptic to the core and have been my entire life, and if I recognize the legitimacy in a lot of these phenomena or at least their significant possibility of existence, then I would say we are making some headway on DV.

Also, welcome back WakingNomad, I hope you continue to get better. My father has lived with chronic back pain my entire life and despite all that has maintained a positive attitude, and the kind of pain he experiences is stronger than 90% of what I've ever experienced in my life, you can just tell. So, I feel for you man.