[eluser]moodh[/eluser]
Uhm, I have a potential solution to a part of the goal:
I'll leave a more advanced problem-solving forum out of this idea, but a more advanced discussion forum isn't a bad thing; design patterns, general development theory, not really coding related.
The main problem is the level of topics, simply just don't allow *new* topics in this forum, rather have admins, moderators (or a group of regulars) move interesting topics (a shadow move if you want the topic kept in another category too).
Having interesting discussions kept in a separate area benefits everyone, even newcomers as they'll reach this level sooner or later, and having every topic of that type grouped up makes searching much easier.
The only downside to this idea is the amount of work the right people would have to put in (especially administrators unless a few other people is given rights to move topics).
However: Most other forums I tend to read do have an advanced area, and the level of discussion alone is enough to keep the newbie threads away, otherwise a simple move solves it =)
Looking forward to a move distinct forum, as reading old threads for more knowledge really sucks when every 5 other threads is about changing your .htaccess.
