even a lot of old regular member activity seems to be focused a lot more on nitpicking and arguing tangential points than on helping some cool concept design through to a working completion.

I've definitely notices this too, and it gets worse as time goes on.

 

I usually visit two sub-forums, homework help and Off topic. I don't frequent the others as much, so I can't say if I've seen any "cool concept designs" lately.

One problem that always rears it's ugly head is some post homework outside of the homework forum. They are usually caught quickly.

There will always be those, as RB described ..

Content is heading closer toward rude requests for help (so people can get their homework done for them)...

The only way to kill the rude requests is to point them to the rules and don't answer them. Of course that suites the poster just fine as they won't return. Some never respond to requests for information.

The rudeness runs in cycles as does the cynical responses from the members.

I belong to a few forums, each have their own niche and each have their fair share of behavioral problems.