I'd like to suggest something perhaps a bit more radical. I think there are too many arbitrary splits between systems/companies in the technical forums. I'd suggest taking all these forums:
- Refurb and Repair
- Modding, Hacking & Reverse Engineering
- Sony Programming & Development
- XBOX/Chihiro Programming & Development
- Nintendo Programming & Development
- SEGA Programming & Development
- Misc Programming & Development
And simply replace them with this:
- Console Development & Repair
- Arcade Development & Repair
- General Development & Repair
There's a lot of overlap between "Modding, Hacking & Reverse Engineering" and the current company-specific forums, making it confusing where some things should be posted. The current structure also discourages talk about systems outside the big 4 vendors named, whereas more general forums will, I believe, lead to an increase in people discussing other systems. Giving arcade a home is a good idea I think given how large and active some arcade communities are, and the fact there's probably some considerable overlap with quite a few members here (I myself actually have just as much arcade gear as I have console gear). AssemblerGames didn't target the arcade space very well, but I think this forum could, if the sections aren't stacked too heavily in favour of consoles.
If the three forums I've named get far too crowded and noisy (which honestly would be a good thing) and it really becomes unmanageable, then you could split them, but I'd start tighter and grow from there. AssemblerGames had far too many sections, and as a result over half of them languished. Keeping the list of sections small and active helps the community get closer together. I also think you should consider folding "Beta talk" into "Rare & Obscure Gaming" for similar reasons.