[dav]

Wouldn't setting up an IRC channel be discrimitory in some way against those who are less technically adept? I don't think we need to take this in the direction of the more net savvy users at the expense of the users whose less technical concerns are those we are trying to court.
Ease of input and engagement for all should be a prime concern and not all forum members with something valuable to contribute to the list of questions may be able to join an IRC chat. This is why I suggested a private forum area. It is a format everyone here is comfortable with and capable of easy access.
In addition, people posting from work (like me) will more often than not have IRC chat blocked.