Byron - events last week with the rapidfire exchange made me think about the chat room idea too. We've had a quick think about this at the tower and will put it on the schedule of items to look at at. A bit like the pics question (which I know many would also like) there are some implications about server and admin load and so on we need to work through and we're right in the middle of other development that will mean it doesn't happen overnight, but chat room is in the useful ideas box.
Incidentally, thanks for the reminder about the forum private messaging system - we've seen use gradually increase but will probably take the opportunity at some point soon of reminding all users about the potential of this facility. I'm afraid I'm not an ICQ user myself, although Paul Lomax here is and so if any forum users need background info on that we are in a position to help.