I agree.  If it were standard practice to:

1 - close off a thread due to age and inactivity

2 - close off a thread because it was degrading or trolling

But to close off a thread because someone from DNN has decided that in their opinion, it's not really important, really might not send out the right message.

Since making the forum visible on the menu, I've noticed a bit more activity.  This thread is a good place to consolidate the thoughts of the community and whether you like it or not, if you close this thread, another one of the same vein will be started.  

Just my thoughts.

Nina Meiers

to be more explicit: if you want to use DNN, use install package. if you are a module developer, you might find it beneficial, installing symbols for debug. If you want to get grey hair (or loose most of it, as I did) by inspecting core code, use source package and install on top. Only if you want to tweak the core, you need to build DNN platform your own - but you should have some experiences and a reason to do so.

I disagree - one of the most interesting discussions was a comment thread on a 3rd party blog post, which covered nearly all aspects of ecommerce modules, lasting about 2-3 years. Focusing a discussion doesn't mean closing it down in my pov.