Hey Scott,
No worries on the database. I agree on the forum. There has never been much happening there except for spammers finding it. With so many message boards out there already existing, it prob would eventually be better to just point every one to the various boards based on skill level.
The combined portal idea is good but it is just a matter of getting the ball rolling and an interest in the group. Maybe we could just get behind, as a group, of an existing open source portal that exists. One that is still in its infancy and where there would be developers needed rather where there are a ton of developer volunteering already. Just an idea.
Have a great holidays. I might be available for drinks one night when you are down for the holidays but unsure. Just shoot an email out.