I agree with Jim's Gem...I also think it has to do with the sheer volume of postings this board gets....I "check in" pretty much daily and I still miss heaps and if I keep spending an hour or so a day here, I'm never going to be able to finish my quilts. Don't forget we are international...so not everyone's up and about at the same times. You may not always get comments, but check out views....some people are shy, maybe can't be online much, or just can't keep up with "watched topics".
I always go to Unread topics and then check my inbox for watched topics. I don't think Main is any more special than any other area...In fact if you look at the view rate on Pictures - you would find it gets a bigger hit rate.
Quilters are very visual/tactile people!
Anyway, there's my five cents worth (even with your currency today I believe). Keep posting and happy quilting.