Forums aren't dieing, I go to plenty that have thousands of uniques every day.
What mite be a Good Idea as well mite be a good Linux support section. I have posted a few threads in the Linux Section to no avail from other users for help with technical issues. I know this would probably be covered at some point but Linux being a Free OS mainly might be beneficial for the end user as they can download their OS and receive help from knowledgeable people. Being Free it mite open doors to other ideas for other parts of the site to develop. Mabie have a section of some sort were everything that is free is covered such as Software, Linux, Freeware, Shareware, Trial ware, Open source.
The Linux board covers that - "Linux and Open Source".
The reason you probably didn't get much help is because we don't have a whole lot of active Linux users here to provide said help.
I think that is also part of the problem. So many forums, and the knowledge base among members is spread really thin. Might be good to know what people are really active and knowledgeable about and redefine the site around those areas rather than trying to cover all things tech.
/shrug
Bit of a catch-22, IMO.
If we keep the sections but don't get many new members they'll look unused and empty (or take longer to get replies for help) until we actually do get more people with said knowledge/experience. But if we don't have those sections at all, members with knowledge may not join or stick around to answer questions for people trying to get help.