First, Admin - I LOVE the new format, and it was easy to get used to it. I think we'll have the same ease with this new idea you have, once we see how it works.
My understanding of it is:
we'll have a new HEADING in the top menu called 'Virtual'.
When we click on 'Virtual' - we'll see a page with topics members have set up, eg Bargello, applique, embroidery machines, Paducah April 2010 Show etc
I was doing fine until Admin said "A GROUP would decide to set up a new topic.' How is that going to happen?
I do think we'll need some kind of filter to avoid having the number of new topics soar quickly into the thousands!
Other than that, I think it's a great idea - I've been frustrated more than once when I've used 'Search' to try to find something I remember from an old thread.