I don't see what member photos and funny pictures add to the forum as opposed to this thread.
Then your not seeing the big picture, a thread remains stickied if it's contributing to the forum. how does the funny pic thread help...just as the social lounge helps in just discussing what's on your mind, and for interaction.
amagine this forum with no social lounge, no gallery , and no media section. Then all your left with is a forum with nothing but question and answered threads..interesting and informative, but not so much fun right ?
then comes the social lounge..cool, interaction
then comes the funny pics thread..haha, you have to have a sence of humor.
then comes the members photo thread..wow, so that's what they look like.
If in time this thread weighs in as contributing, then it will be stuck..most people have Aim or Skype or Msn...see my point.