I think there is a really big differance when you are looking for specific information and you get a large thread as a search result. It takes to much time to read through the Patty thread for example when you just want to see a DA50 install. I used the feature a lot in the old format.

OK merging large threads isn't practical but how many times do we need to start a Great Planes Showstring thread? When a new one pops up it would be appropriate to merge it into the old one and keep the subscriptions so more people are aware of it.

The second Patty thread was started because the original had to much socializing for one member and now they are mirrors of each other with constant double posting of questions. The net result is fewer people get help because the knowledgable members get tired of answering the same questions. If new members could search the thread and not double post they would get more information and isn't that one of the main goals of RCU?