Small communities that are similar should think about mushing together for activity. Example: Hiking, Backpacking, Thru Hiking. It will generate more Activity and then branch out. We have too many niche pages that won't be active.
@brome he did mention that in the early days because he seemed worried he wasn't going fast enough, but I think we all talked him out of it. :)
He did take some time out to deal with personal life, a couple of people made a fork (mbin). But the changes we're seeing these days made it worth the wait!