I am not a heavy NET user, So here goes my 2cents worth.
I appreciate the info available on this site, being able to ask questions when needed, I have met some of the local members, and have been quite impressed, I find it difficult to understand who everyone is, a lot do not display even basic info about themselves, a bare minimum needs to be Gender, Location ( Important), real first name, Cars owned, Experience with vehicles. Length of membership,
Posts that display only login name and nothing else, can be treated as spam.
Asking for an ISP real email address is a possibility, although it is not often required by other forums, a simple verify address system is common..
Banners top and bottom I don't consider a problem, more a must have for revenue, Maybe some one or people could take on the task of promoting SAU to likely advertisers, The banners sometimes are useful. Other advertising on site is not necessarily a problem. A paid option for those that do not want advertisements.
Unfortunately a forum needs people, and it may be necessary to change the people doing jobs from time to time, a moderator, or administrator can become jaded and need a break,