Right, we try our hardest to create appropriate rules to follow that in theory should we successful. I feel like you're unfairly targeting Aj and I saying that we do not listen to users suggestions and input, but this is completely untrue. As Aj said, no matter how good the rules and moderators seem to look "on paper", the problem lies not in the structure/decisions of the staff team, as much as it does the actions of the many members who make up the community itself. I know what you mean, I know there's tons of troll-faces, 4chan pictures, and immaturity as a whole. While I wish we could just go around banning anyone who seems immature (nmopal I know you'd love that!) It's just not realistic. What Aj and I have done is listened to the community input and have modeled over time a structure that attempts to sustain and eventually progress all which makes up the community. While it is unfortunate that the younger demographic which this website is targeted towards often do choose to act immaturely at times, the system that is in place (which we always try to improve based on community input and observations) does attempt to control it as best as possible without making it seem to restricting for those who enjoy the website as it is meant to be. Those who follow the rules, are serious about things, contribute, etc are the ones who get noticed and vice versa.
I'd also like to add - I'm quite surprised at how many other veterans were quick to jump the gun and agree with this blame game. Some veterans have been part of the problem you mention above which to me is a little ironic. Even after the reform of the usergroup and fixing the differences between respected members / old time users, many of them still seem to think the site has "gone downhill", as you've said. I think otherwise.
Despite my message and thoughts, if you still seem to think that we have not heard or bothered to understand your opinion, then I apologize. I am always willing to hear your thoughts and input on what we can do to improve the community in your eyes. You can do this through PMing Aj or I, or by posting in
Suggestions board. Again, it's also unfortunate that many changes posted in the suggestion board we cannot do due our limited powers in the control panel - but that's a whole different story.