yyahoo: Doesn't archived mean being "preserved" anyway? I don't get the consternation over the archiving/closing of the older threads. It's not like you won't be able to continue to view it whenever you want...
Well, I still think this one should remain open. :)
Some older threads may still hold relevance and especially with regards to the informative, helpful ones that may need updates or call for renewed discussions I see no reason why they shouldn't be kept alive rather than pickled and locked away.