The current development boards are in such a way that they are either dead or anything that could be good in them is overwritten by a series of topics asking questions that have been asked many times before and are often simple fixes. New users who come here or those still involved with Game Maker might see a topic about something such as C++ in those boards, but it does not really help them or motivate them to pursue C++. Those who are mostly involved with something like C++ look in those boards and see mostly topics that they have moved past and no longer really see the board as a beneficial aid for them.
Having at least two boards, one for simple development applications and another for advanced development applications would be for the best, in my opinion. Even if it did not get as much activity, an advanced development board would appeal to those who wanted to improve their knowledge, it would not be bogged down with topics that did not help them any more, and it would make us seem more professional. The simple development board (I use the term "simple" as "basic" sounds too much like "BASIC"), would not be bogged down with topics that those into such development could not understand yet, it would seem like we were more willing to help users learn, and it is not like the board would be worse off with less clutter.
Icons are nice, but they are not being used that much anymore. For me, if there was a board specifically devoted to something that involved C++ game development then I would feel better off being here because there would be a place for myself to learn and it would mark a change in the atmosphere as to say that our new direction was towards something better. Game Maker is great, but it's just not the answer anymore.