This 2012 year, in my comprehension, was/is big for GC. Amount of members is bigger than it ever was (I read about it somewhere, I think it's mookie's words). Many vets are back. So many changes, for example forums, new CS, new plugins. FragFest is in process to be happened next year (really want to come).
I'm too new around here to judge and say something like this, however it feels like this is true.